President Bola Tinubu is spearheading a critical push for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, framing it as an essential step to rescue the nation from the grip of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. This move comes despite some opposition seeking to maintain the status quo of a centralized police force.
A Consensus for Change Meets Resistance
Across Nigeria, a broad consensus has emerged supporting the creation of state police. However, voices aiming to reverse this progress are recycling old arguments, suggesting that merely increasing funding, training, and personnel for the current Nigeria Police Force is sufficient. President Tinubu, who has consistently advocated for state police since taking office, appears undeterred by this resistance.
Last week, he called on the National Assembly to review the nation's laws to permit states desiring their own police forces to establish them. This call reinforces his declaration in June 2025 that "State police is no longer optional but a national imperative."
Broad Support and Constitutional Imperative
Tinubu's position is bolstered by significant backing from key stakeholders. The Northern Establishment, comprising governors and traditional rulers, has thrown its full weight behind the initiative, reiterating its stance at a recent meeting in Kaduna. Similarly, the South-West Establishment and the Conference of States Assembly Speakers have endorsed the move and are prepared to provide necessary legislative assent.
In a speech delivered at the high-level Legislative Dialogue on Nigeria’s National Security Architecture in June, represented then by the former Defence Minister, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, Tinubu grounded the debate in reality. He stated that the debate is "grounded in the daily fears and lived anxieties of Nigerians" and declared the current centralized system outdated.
He argued that the 1999 Constitution, while fundamental, is ill-equipped to handle modern security threats like cybercrime, complex terrorism, and farmer-herder conflicts. "Our constitution must evolve or risk becoming a danger to the very unity it is meant to protect," he warned.
Addressing Concerns and the Path Forward
The President is advocating for a constitutional amendment to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List. This would allow states with the capacity and political will to establish their own police forces, ensuring more accountable, community-based policing while preserving federal oversight.
Critics fear governors might misuse state police. However, proponents, including former President Ibrahim Babangida, dismiss such fears as unfounded in today's Nigeria with its rights-aware citizenry. Another concern is the financial capability of some states. Advocates counter that security must come first, as peace enables economic activity and tax generation, which in turn funds government operations, including police salaries.
Importantly, the proposed amendment would not make state police compulsory for all 36 states. States unprepared or concerned about potential abuse can opt out until they are ready. Furthermore, establishing state police does not mean abolishing the Nigeria Police Force; guidelines would be drawn for collaborative work between the two tiers.
President Tinubu has thrown the challenge to the National Assembly, specifically the House Committee on Constitutional Review chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, urging them to act with urgency and courage. His drive for state police, seen as vital for the nation's health, development, and progress, continues to gain momentum as a central solution to Nigeria's security woes.
