Federal Government, Governors to Decide on State Police Next Week
The Federal Government and state governors are set to make a critical decision on creating state police next week. Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, revealed this on Thursday while addressing State House Correspondents after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Governor Diri stated that NEC has given Adamawa, Kebbi, Kwara States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) a one-week deadline, ending November 28, to submit their positions on the proposed state police initiative.
“On the issue of state police today, the three states in question, including Adamawa represented by its Deputy Governor, had earlier indicated their position but needed to finalize their submissions. NEC has given them a short timeline of one week to complete this process,” Diri said.
The move is part of efforts to consolidate nationwide input on state policing, with 33 states already having submitted their positions. A final decision will be taken at the next NEC meeting.
Background on the State Police Debate
The idea of creating a state police has gained momentum in Nigeria as a response to widespread insecurity and economic hardship. Discussions on the proposal began in February 2024 during an emergency meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that the process remains in its early stages. “The Federal and state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police, but significant work is still required,” he said.
In parallel, the House of Representatives is deliberating a constitutional amendment bill that would establish state police across the federation.
Advocates vs. Critics
Proponents of state police argue it would improve law enforcement by tailoring policing strategies to local needs, decentralizing power, and addressing unique regional security challenges.
Critics, however, warn of potential abuse of power by state governments, fearing it could lead to political victimization, deepen regional divisions, and undermine national unity.
Next Steps
NEC’s decision next week will determine the next phase of this ambitious reform. With input from all 36 states and the FCT, a consolidated position will pave the way for legislative and constitutional amendments needed to implement state police nationwide.
As insecurity continues to affect Nigeria’s regions differently, the state police debate underscores the urgent need to rethink the country’s centralized law enforcement system. Whether the proposal will unite or divide opinion remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
