By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s push toward decentralizing its security system has taken a significant step forward, as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has formally submitted a proposal advocating for the establishment of state police.
The proposal is now set to be reviewed by the National Assembly, where lawmakers will examine its legal, structural, and constitutional implications.
The move follows growing concerns among state leaders about the effectiveness of the current centralized policing system.
Governors across the country have repeatedly argued that the existing structure controlled solely by the federal government has struggled to respond swiftly and adequately to rising security challenges such as kidnapping, banditry, and communal conflicts.
By introducing state-controlled police forces, they believe security operations can become more localized, responsive, and intelligence-driven.
According to officials, the proposal outlines a framework for how state police would be created, funded, and supervised.
It is also expected to include accountability measures designed to prevent abuse of power and ensure that such forces operate within the bounds of the law. Although full details have not yet been made public, the framework aims to strike a balance between granting states greater control and maintaining national security cohesion.
However, the proposal has sparked an ongoing national debate. Supporters argue that empowering states with their own police units would improve grassroots security and allow for quicker responses to emergencies.
On the other hand, critics caution that state police could be misused by political leaders to target opponents or suppress dissent, raising concerns about human rights and democratic stability.
The next stage of the process will involve thorough deliberation by the National Assembly. Because policing is currently defined under Nigeria’s Constitution as a federal responsibility, any move to establish state police would require significant constitutional amendments. This means the proposal must gain broad political support at both federal and state levels before it can become law.
As discussions unfold, the outcome of this proposal could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to security—potentially reshaping how law enforcement is structured and delivered across the country.
