Nigeria’s parliament has passed a constitutional bill to allow each of its 36 states to establish and operate its own police force. This move creates a parallel state police system alongside the existing federal Nigeria Police Force. The historical reform aims to tackle the country’s worsening insecurity.
This initiative follows a long-standing debate about centralizing policing despite diverse regional threats. Supporters, including President Bola Tinubu, believe decentralized policing will significantly improve local responses to growing violence. This includes insurgency, mass kidnappings, and communal clashes that stretch the current central system.
This development is crucial for Nigeria’s stability and economic prospects, particularly given the high cost of insecurity on businesses and daily life. The reform reflects a broader trend of African nations seeking more localized solutions to national challenges. Previous attempts to decentralize policing have stalled due to political differences. The current push gained momentum as security crises like abductions of students continue to spread across different regions.
“Nigeria’s centralised policing model slows emergency responses because states lack direct control,” stated Ayomide Akinwale, an analyst at SBM Intelligence. This central control has been a point of contention for state governors. They often bear responsibility for security but lack operational command over police forces within their jurisdictions. This reform seeks to address that disconnect.
The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives and was expected to pass in the Senate. It now requires endorsement from at least two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 state assemblies before becoming law. Observers will closely watch this final approval stage. This reform could significantly reshape Nigeria's security landscape if implemented. Questions remain about funding and training standards for state police. Critics also warn against the potential for governors to misuse state police forces against political opponents or minority groups. Poorer states may struggle to maintain effective forces.