President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined the Federal Government’s case for reforming Nigeria’s policing architecture, arguing that decentralised policing could strengthen security, improve community relations and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement across the country.
The President’s position was presented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.
Under the proposed framework, states that are willing and capable of establishing their own police services would have greater capacity to respond to security challenges within their jurisdictions. The administration believes this would bring security personnel closer to communities and reduce the distance between citizens and law enforcement.
The reform also places emphasis on the welfare and professionalism of police officers. It recognises the need for fair remuneration, credible career progression and adequate support for officers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.
The administration further proposed safeguards to prevent officers dismissed for brutality, extortion or other criminal conduct from simply moving to another police service. Recruitment, background checks and training would also be strengthened to ensure officers meet higher professional standards.
According to the proposal, local recruitment could improve intelligence gathering, as officers drawn from communities may have a better understanding of the local terrain, people and security challenges.
While state police services would take on local responsibilities, the National Police Service would retain responsibility for federal duties and interstate crimes.
The administration maintained that decentralised policing would not undermine the constitutional rights of Nigerians. Citizens would remain protected under a single constitutional framework regardless of their state of origin, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
Training would require officers to have a sound understanding of the law, preserve evidence properly and exercise the use of force within lawful limits.
Ultimately, the success of the proposed policing reforms would be measured by their ability to deliver competent investigations, safer communities, faster emergency assistance and increased public confidence in the police.