The Policing Conversations

Policing Nigerian Youth: Protection or Profiling? | The Policing Conversations What does policing look like from the perspective of young Nigerians? In this edition of The Policing Conversation, Nextier brought young Nigerian voices to the centre of the discussion on policing and public safety. The conversation explored the experiences and perceptions that shape young Nigerians’ relationship with the police, particularly as it concerns profiling, distrust, fear, extortion, accountability and the exercise of citizens’ rights. Our host, Olivia Chioma Aniunoh, Legal, Policy and Research Consultant at Nextier, was joined by Dennis Samson Agbo, Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Taxation Students and Allied Courses (NASTAC); Okolie Godsfavour Chukwuebuka, former Senate President of the University of Abuja Student Union Government; and Folashade Arigbabu, Senior Programmes Officer at the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), to examine Nigeria’s proposed state policing structure and consider what bringing policing closer to communities could mean for young people. Among the key questions explored were: • How can legitimate policing be distinguished from profiling? • Why does distrust persist between young Nigerians and the police? • What safeguards are needed to ensure state police do not reproduce existing problems? • How can recruitment, discipline and public feedback strengthen accountability? • Could technology and mandatory body cameras improve police accountability? • What role can young people play in changing the relationship between citizens and the police? • What would it take for young Nigerians to feel protected rather than profiled? The discussion highlights the importance of institutional culture, visible accountability, continuous dialogue and meaningful youth participation in shaping the future of policing in Nigeria. Watch the full episode and join the conversation.