The Federal Government has officially initiated formal engagements on the constitutional amendments required to establish state police, marking a pivotal step in efforts to restructure Nigeria’s internal security framework. This development comes amid escalating security challenges across multiple states, including incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime that have intensified calls for a decentralized policing system.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after a consultative meeting on state police held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to him, discussions on the proposed framework began months ago following a directive from President Bola Tinubu. Stakeholders are now focusing on the specific constitutional changes that would provide legal backing for sub-national policing structures.
Gbajabiamila noted that the ongoing consultations have moved beyond preliminary discussions to identifying the exact amendments needed. An enabling law will follow after the constitutional changes are completed. He emphasized that there is now broad agreement among stakeholders that the conversation has shifted from whether state police should be created to how it will be implemented within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
The consultative meeting brought together key government and security stakeholders to review proposals and refine the structure of the intended reforms. Attendees included the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; and Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, among other senior officials.
President Tinubu is expected to receive a comprehensive report from the consultation process as efforts continue to finalize the amendment proposal. The urgency of these reforms is underscored by recent security incidents, including the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. In response, President Tinubu last week approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in the state. He also directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted individuals.
Meanwhile, broader economic indicators continue to draw attention. The Iata Warns Jet fuel costs remain a concern for aviation stakeholders, while the Ifc has highlighted infrastructure gaps affecting private investment. The Ngx Group recently reported volatility, with Nigerian Stocks Shed value amid mixed investor sentiment. Analysts also note that Ai Data Centers are emerging as a critical sector for digital transformation, though Nigeria Manufacturing Capital faces headwinds from policy uncertainty and currency fluctuations. These factors collectively shape the environment in which security and governance reforms are being pursued.
The Federal Government’s engagement on state police represents a significant move toward addressing long-standing security deficits. By focusing on constitutional amendments, the administration aims to create a legal framework that enhances local intelligence gathering and improves rapid response to threats, while ensuring that sub-national policing aligns with national security objectives.
