In a decisive move towards enhancing national security, President Bola Tinubu has initiated steps for the potential establishment of state police across Nigeria. This development emerged from a meeting with state governors on Thursday, where the formation of a committee to study the feasibility of state police was approved. The move signifies a shift towards decentralizing the security apparatus in response to the country’s escalating security challenges.
The Nigerian Senate has expressed its readiness to amend the constitution to allow for the establishment of state police, highlighting the legislative body’s commitment to addressing the nation’s insecurity issues. Currently, the Nigerian police force is under federal control, as stipulated by the exclusive legislative list in the constitution, which prevents state governments from forming their own police forces.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken proactive steps by constituting a 45-member committee tasked with reviewing the 1999 constitution. This committee is set to be inaugurated next Tuesday, marking a significant step towards constitutional amendments that could pave the way for state policing.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized the Senate’s dedication to reflecting the will and aspirations of Nigerians through its legislative actions. He indicated that the Senate is prepared to adjust the laws as necessary to accommodate the establishment of state police, contingent on the consensus among critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the broader Nigerian populace.
However, for any constitutional amendment to take effect, it must receive backing from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states. This requirement underscores the essential roles that state houses of assembly and governors will play in the process, ensuring that any move towards state police is a collective decision reflecting the nation’s desire for a more effective and decentralized security system.