In a recent dialogue on state policing titled “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria,” the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, voiced his opposition to the establishment of State Police, highlighting Nigeria’s lack of maturity for such a system.
The event, organized by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of the House of Representatives, provided a platform for discussions on the topic.
Represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ben Okolo, the IGP expressed concerns that the introduction of state police could intensify ethnic tensions and result in divided loyalty within the states. He emphasized that Nigeria’s current stage of development does not warrant the implementation of state-controlled police, cautioning against the potential for multiple command structures and the abuse of power by state governors for political gains.
Egbetokun further argued that the financial resources required for effective policing were not adequately available to state governments. He suggested an alternative approach, proposing the integration of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission into existing departments within the Nigeria Police Force.
The dialogue, hosted by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marked the initial deliberations on the proposed Constitutional amendment bill of 2023, titled “Establishment of State Police.” Spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and supported by 13 others, the bill aims to enhance public safety and strengthen law enforcement in Nigeria by decentralizing the police. It outlines a constitutional framework for states that choose to establish and maintain their own police services alongside the federal police.
Nigeria’s current policing system is deemed insufficient, with approximately 371,000 police officers serving a population of 223 million citizens, a ratio that leaves much of the population underserved. Moreover, a significant portion of the police force is allocated to protect VIPs. The historical devolution of policing to the regions during the First Republic is also highlighted as a point of reference.
By engaging in these discussions, stakeholders are seeking to address the challenges faced by the Nigerian public in the realm of law enforcement and to explore potential solutions to improve the overall security landscape.
