The decision to transition from an exclusively centralized policing structure to the establishment of State Police is, in my considered view, a long-overdue and commendable step toward enabling Nigeria to function as a truly federal system of government.
A nation that professes federalism must be prepared to practice it in substance, not merely in name. For Nigeria to genuinely operate as a federation, every arm of government should reflect the principles of true federalism without unnecessary exceptions. Security administration should not be exempt from this reality.
The passage of the State Police Bill by the Senate may therefore be regarded as one of the few significant initiatives capable of restoring public confidence in the National Assembly, particularly among Nigerians who have, over time, questioned the legislature’s impact and perceived it as consuming substantial public resources with limited tangible returns. By responding to a long-standing national conversation on decentralized policing, the Senate has demonstrated that it can indeed be attentive to the aspirations of the people.
Nevertheless, recent incidents associated with voting procedures within the Upper Chamber, which attracted public criticism and national embarrassment, do little to inspire confidence in legislative seriousness. Such occurrences point to concerns about institutional preparedness and should serve as a wake-up call to the leadership of the Senate to direct its administrative staff to thoroughly inspect voting and operational facilities ahead of plenary sessions in order to prevent future embarrassment.
As Nigeria moves toward State Police, it is imperative that clear national minimum standards be established and strictly enforced. Recruitment, training, welfare, discipline, operational guidelines, and accountability mechanisms must be governed by uniform standards applicable across the federation.
Furthermore, any State Governor, State House of Assembly, or public official found to be manipulating State Police structures for political persecution, intimidation, personal vendetta, or abuse of office should be held fully accountable under the law. There should be no room for magnanimity, preferential treatment, or sacred cows. Similarly, officers found to be misusing the powers entrusted to them should face swift and appropriate sanctions.
The unfortunate incident involving the raid on the residence of Sunday Igboho during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari remains a subject of public debate regarding the relationship between federal security agencies and subnational actors. Under a properly regulated State Police framework, disputes involving state authorities should be addressed through constitutional processes, intergovernmental engagement, judicial intervention where necessary, and due process, rather than through actions perceived by citizens as undue invasion or excessive use of force.
If sincerely implemented, professionally managed, and adequately supervised, State Police could strengthen community policing, improve intelligence gathering, enhance public safety, reduce crime, and deepen Nigeria’s federal practice.
There is every reason to believe that, with political will, institutional discipline, and respect for the rule of law, this reform can contribute significantly to building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria.
“A federation thrives not merely by sharing revenues and offices, but by devolving responsibilities, respecting constitutional boundaries, and ensuring that power at every level serves the people rather than intimidates them.”
Amb. Chief Moshood Ismail Abioye
Peace Ambassador, Education Advocate and Community Development Practitioner.
