- 36 states have submitted their positions on state police, with most advocating for its establishment
- Governor Uba Sani announced a broad consensus in favour of state police during the 147th NEC meeting
- The push for state police came amid rising insecurity, food price hikes, and economic challenges
The positions of all 36 states on State Police have been submitted, with most advocating for state-managed policing.
This was disclosed by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State after the 147th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Thursday, December 12.
Sani said, “Today, one of the discussions we had at the NEC meeting was the update on the creation of state police. As you are aware, there was a submission by states toward the establishment of state police.
“36 states have submitted, minus FCT. FCT is not a state. They explained why they had not submitted it. But 36 states have all submitted their position on state police.
“From what is available, virtually most of the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria. I want to say here clearly that most of us are in agreement with the establishment of State Police.”
The Governor explained that the consensus was driven by the security issues affecting various states. He noted that the main concern of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria and the critical lack of security forces, including the police, military, and other agencies, are insufficient to secure all regions.
“That is why most of us agreed that the establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward toward addressing the problem of insecurity in our own country,” Sani stated.
The Council, however, postponed the final discussions until January, when a comprehensive report from the NEC secretariat will be submitted for review.
“But today, the Council decided to step down the discussion until the next council meeting because we need to come up with a report from the secretariat. After the report, there will be deliberation at the next NEC meeting, which will likely take place in January.
“Not only that. There was also a resolution in the last NEC meeting, which today the secretariat agreed on, stating that there will be further stakeholder engagement after the panel and deliberation by the members of the NEC.”
Recall that at the 146th meeting on November 21, the Council gave a one-week ultimatum, until November 28, for Adamawa, Kebbi, Kwara States, and the FCT to submit their stance on the proposed establishment of state police.
The Federal Government, together with the 36 states, commenced talks on February 15, 2024, which are expected to result in the creation of state police.
This was included in the agreements reached at an emergency meeting between President Bola Tinubu and state governors at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, in response to the increasing insecurity, rising food prices, and economic hardships nationwide.
House of Reps considers legislative bill for state police establishment
Speaking to State House Correspondents afterwards, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that the process was still in its early stages and would take more shape following further discussions among stakeholders.
“The Federal Government and the state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police,” Idris stated, adding that it will be further discussed.
He further said, “A lot of work must be done in that direction. But if our government and the state governments agree to the necessity of having state police, this is a significant shift.”
The House of Representatives earlier said it was considering a legislative bill with the title, ‘A bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of State Police and related matters.’
As part of the agreement, the National Economic Council required all states to submit detailed reports on their positions and plans for implementing state police. By March 2024, 16 states had already submitted their reports, with the remaining 20 anticipated to do so by May.
The push for the creation of state police in Nigeria largely arose from the centralised structure of the Nigerian Police Force, which many security experts believe is insufficient to tackle the distinct security challenges faced by different regions of the country.
Supporters contended that state police would bring law enforcement closer to local communities, improve policing effectiveness, and provide more localised authority over security issues.
However, opponents cautioned that state police could lead to power abuse, especially in states with strong political control, which might heighten regional tensions and threaten national unity.
“Just resign”: Nigerians react to IGP’s remarks on police accountability
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, called Nigeria's criminal justice system "weak" and "sick," adding that police are not to be solely blamed.
Nigerians criticised the IGP’s statement, with some suggesting the police were at the centre of the criminality.