The National Economic Council (NEC) will make a critical decision on the establishment of state police in Nigeria in January 2025, following submissions from 36 states on the matter.
This decision comes after growing concerns over the country’s ongoing security challenges and the perceived inadequacies of the federal police force to address them effectively.
The issue of state police has long been a topic of debate in Nigeria, with many calling for local law enforcement to better address region-specific security concerns.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, disclosed the update during a briefing following a recent NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Governor Sani confirmed that 36 states have submitted their positions on the establishment of state police, with most expressing strong support for the initiative.
“From what is available, virtually all the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria,” Governor Sani said, adding that the council had decided to defer the discussion until its next meeting.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has yet to submit its position, which led the council to delay any final decisions until it receives the FCT’s input.
While the FCT has cited reasons for its delay, Governor Sani assured that the matter would be revisited in January.
He emphasized that the council opted to step down the discussion until the secretariat finalizes its report, which will be presented at the January meeting.
The expected report will provide a comprehensive analysis of the submissions and offer insights into the potential impacts of establishing state police forces.
The topic of state police has gained traction in recent years, particularly as Nigeria grapples with widespread security issues. Many states have voiced concerns over the inefficiency and limited reach of the national police force, especially in rural and less accessible areas.
Governor Sani pointed to the growing consensus among states, noting the widespread agreement that a state-level police force would help address specific security issues unique to each state.
“We have a lot of ungoverned spaces and a significant deficit in security personnel, whether in the police, army, or other agencies. This is why many of us agree that establishing state police is the way forward to address these problems,” Governor Sani explained.
The governor also highlighted the challenges faced by various states in dealing with insecurity, including rising violence from armed groups, banditry, and communal clashes.
“Virtually every state has its peculiar challenges when it comes to insecurity,” he said, underscoring the fact that a one-size-fits-all approach to policing may not be effective in tackling Nigeria’s diverse security concerns.
Many of Nigeria’s states are facing unique security challenges that range from insurgency in the northeast to herder-farmer clashes in the Middle Belt and rampant banditry in the northwest.
The existing federal security agencies have struggled to address these issues due to insufficient manpower and limited resources to effectively cover all regions.
The call for state police has been driven by the need for a more localized approach to security, with state governments pushing for greater control over their own policing structures.
Governor Sani emphasized the urgent need for local law enforcement to complement national security efforts, particularly given the lack of sufficient federal personnel to secure all areas adequately.
“We need localised security forces to complement existing national efforts,” he said, stressing the importance of having state-based police forces to handle security matters more efficiently at the grassroots level.
The proposed state police would allow local governments to have a direct role in law enforcement, potentially increasing the responsiveness and effectiveness of policing in their areas.
However, the issue of state police is not without controversy. Critics argue that state police forces could lead to the politicization of law enforcement, with governors potentially using state police for personal or political gain.
Despite these concerns, the growing consensus among state governors and local leaders suggests that the need for state police may outweigh the risks, especially considering the urgent security challenges facing the country.
The NEC is expected to make its final decision on the creation of state police in January 2025, with further deliberations and consultations to follow. The decision will be a key step in the country’s broader strategy to enhance security and address the growing concerns over law enforcement in Nigeria.
