Nigeria: State police move gathers momentum as presidency says framework is almost ready
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
The Federal Government says plans to establish state police are making significant progress, with a constitutional amendment expected in the coming weeks as consultations among key stakeholders near completion.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this after a high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to him, discussions on the creation of state police have advanced considerably over the past few months following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The focus is now on finalising the constitutional changes needed to make the initiative a reality.
Gbajabiamila explained that establishing state police requires careful legal and constitutional processes, noting that stakeholders have made substantial progress toward developing a workable framework.
He said the debate has evolved beyond whether state police should exist, with attention now shifting to how the system can be structured to operate effectively and address Nigeria’s security challenges.
The Chief of Staff added that a comprehensive report from the consultations will be presented to President Tinubu, who has long supported decentralised policing as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The meeting was part of ongoing engagements by the Federal Government aimed at creating a practical framework for state police.
The proposed system is expected to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen local security responses and give state governments a greater role in tackling security threats within their jurisdictions.
Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior government officials.
Calls for state police have gained renewed attention in recent months as concerns over insecurity continue to grow across the country. Supporters of the proposal argue that a decentralised policing system would improve grassroots security, enhance response times and provide better protection for communities nationwide.
