Pix: IGP Disu

By Segun Ilori, Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has proposed a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police, featuring a 60-month transition plan, a dedicated funding structure, and strong safeguards against political interference.

The proposal, submitted to the National Assembly, outlines a phased roadmap beginning with constitutional amendments within the first year, followed by the gradual decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system.

According to the 75-page document presented to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, about 60 percent of current police personnel would be transferred to state police services, while the remaining 40 percent would continue under the federal structure.

The framework was submitted on behalf of the Inspector-General by Olu Ogunsakin, who chaired the committee responsible for developing the state policing model.

Funding and Structure

At the core of the proposal is the creation of a constitutionally backed State Police Fund. The fund would be financed through three percent of allocations from the Federation Account, alongside a mandatory minimum of 15 percent contribution from each state’s security budget.

Sources within the police described the funding model as a deliberate mechanism to ensure transparency, sustainability, and operational independence, addressing long-standing issues of inadequate and opaque financing.

The proposed system introduces a two-tier policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and 37 State Police Services, including the Federal Capital Territory.

While the Federal Police Service would handle national security concerns such as terrorism, interstate crime, and protection of federal assets, state police would focus on local crimes, including armed robbery, homicide, domestic violence, and grassroots intelligence gathering.

Community Policing and Accountability

The framework places strong emphasis on community policing, requiring each state command to establish dedicated departments and local forums involving traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, and religious leaders.

Community Liaison Officers would be appointed to work closely with residents and must be fluent in local languages.

To prevent political misuse, the proposal includes the establishment of independent State Police Service Commissions responsible for recruitment, promotions, and discipline, free from direct control by state governors.

It also recommends strict penalties for unlawful or politically motivated orders, with the Federal High Court granted fast-track jurisdiction over such cases.

Additional accountability measures include the appointment of State Police Ombudsmen, mandatory use of body-worn cameras, and public performance dashboards to track operational conduct and public satisfaction.

National Oversight and Standards

At the federal level, the framework proposes the creation of a National Police Standards Board, a 13-member independent body tasked with enforcing uniform standards across both federal and state police systems.

The board would publish annual compliance reports, with sanctions such as funding restrictions for non-compliant states.

Personnel Transition and Implementation

A Voluntary Transfer Programme would allow officers to move into state police services without losing benefits. Incentives include a three-month salary grant, transition training, and guaranteed pension continuity.

The transition plan is structured over five years, starting with constitutional amendments, followed by the establishment of state commands and gradual redeployment of personnel.

Full implementation is expected between the fourth and fifth years, culminating in a nationwide evaluation and legislative review.

Constitutional Amendments and Debate

The proposal includes key amendments to the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 214, to allow both federal and state police systems to operate concurrently. A new provision, Section 214A, is also proposed to formally establish the National Police Standards Board.

The submission has intensified debate among lawmakers and policy experts, with supporters highlighting improved responsiveness and local intelligence, while critics express concerns over possible political interference.

However, police authorities maintain that the safeguards built into the framework are sufficient to ensure professionalism, accountability, and operational efficiency.