McCallum’s mission is to help develop Nigeria

He spent 28 years in the RUC GC and the PSNI before retiring in 2002.

Roger is now part of a programme organised by the UK Department for International Development. ‘Justice for All’ is a partnership between the Nigerian Government and the UK’s Department for International Development.

It aims to improve the accountability and responsiveness of key organisations in the safety, security and justice sectors of the African county.

Having just returned from Nigeria on a scoping study, Roger told The Times that he feels the officers in Nigeria can relate to him given his policing background.

“It’s almost like the Band of Brothers idea,” joked Roger. “I find that the Nigerian officers can relate to me given my policing background.

“We’re trying to make a real difference out there.

“Nigeria is a very corrupt country. Unfortunately, their police service is not immune from this blight.

“If you go into a police station to report a crime, you could be asked to pay for the very paper on which the statement of complaint is recorded!”

Roger added: “Nigeria too often gets bad press. We hear too often about horrendous crimes like human trafficking and of course, the many scams which originate in that country, but I find the people to be very open to change, they really want to improve their country.”

Roger’s experience of the re-organisation of the police service here in Northern Ireland has helped him integrate new policies within the Nigerian police force.

“Change is very difficult for everyone.

“You will always have people that don’t agree with it. I was involved in the move from the RUC GC to the PSNI, so I can talk to the Nigerians about the change process here in Northern Ireland.

“My role out there is to look at leadership programmes for future senior officers - to help them with all aspects of change.

“These training programmes will bring about big changes, so we have to consider the people in all of it - their culture and the environment that they are working in.

“It’s a very interesting role, and its one that I am very excited about.”