Abass Calls for Clear Funding for State Police in Nigeria

During a session in Abuja, Speaker Tajudeen Abass stated that a clear funding mechanism for state police must be established before its creation. He addressed the National Assembly on the importance of decentralizing Nigeria's police force, highlighting that the current central system cannot effectively manage security for over 200 million people.

Abass noted that the proposed state police bill, which President Bola Tinubu transmitted to the House, is a significant step in reforming Nigeria's security architecture. He suggested that minimum standards for state police should be established and emphasized the need for dedicated funding to prevent any state from creating a police force that cannot be adequately financed.

Abass also expressed concerns regarding the potential misuse of state police and recommended safeguards, including legislative oversight and a structured appointment process. He called for studying successful models from countries like Germany and Canada to inform Nigeria's approach to local policing.