The creation of state police has received further backing from Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who says the reform will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve community policing.
Speaking at an Arise Television Town Hall Meeting on state policing, Abiodun expressed confidence that all 36 state Houses of Assembly would approve the constitutional amendment bill when presented to them. He commended President Bola Tinubu for forwarding the Executive Bill to the National Assembly, describing the move as a major step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The governor, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation, said governors had played a key role in shaping the proposal because of the need for states to have greater control over security matters.
He noted that although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they have limited authority over policing despite supporting security operations financially.
“The bill has our input, and we are excited because what we are seeing today is the fulfilment of a dream we have nurtured for many years. It validates our long-standing advocacy for community policing”, Abiodun said.
He said state police would improve intelligence gathering, increase security manpower and build on the successes of existing outfits such as Amotekun. Abiodun explained that the constitutional amendment seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing states to establish their own police services.
He, however, stressed that proper safeguards would be needed to prevent abuse, including clear oversight mechanisms, funding arrangements, training standards and defined roles between state and federal police.
The governor maintained that with the right framework, state police would help protect lives, strengthen security and deepen public confidence in policing.
