The Presidency says significant progress has been made toward establishing state police, with a constitutional amendment expected in the coming weeks after consultations with key stakeholders. Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila said the process, which began on President Bola Tinubu’s directive, has advanced over the past three to four months and is now focused on finalising the legal changes needed.
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The move comes as the Federal Government continues to push for a decentralised policing structure to address insecurity nationwide.
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Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thank God we have now gained a lot of traction,” Gbajabiamila said.
He added that while work is ongoing on the constitutional amendment, the enabling legislation would follow once the amendment is secured.
Gbajabiamila noted that President Tinubu, who has consistently advocated decentralised policing as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, would be presented with a comprehensive report on the outcome of the consultations.
The meeting forms part of a series of engagements by the Federal Government aimed at developing a workable framework for state police, with the objective of improving internal security, enhancing intelligence gathering, and empowering sub-national governments to tackle emerging security challenges.
Among those in attendance were the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among other senior officials.
The push for state police has gained renewed momentum in recent months amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s security challenges, with proponents arguing that a decentralised policing system would strengthen grassroots security and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.
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