Speaker Abba Advocates for State Police Creation in Nigeria

On Wednesday, Speaker Tajudeen Abba suggested the phased creation of state police across Nigeria's 36 states during a National Assembly address focused on national security. He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the decentralization of the current police force.

Abba proposed establishing minimum standards for state police and outlined a structured approach to their creation, including funding options. He emphasized the importance of local knowledge and presence in policing, arguing that a single police force cannot effectively manage the security needs of Nigeria's diverse population.

Abba also addressed concerns regarding the potential for state police to become politicized or misused, proposing that appointments be confirmed by state assemblies to ensure accountability. He noted that this initiative marks a significant shift in Nigeria's approach to policing, as it has not been a central focus of reform in the past 30 years.

The Speaker underscored the necessity of inter-agency cooperation and the establishment of a biometric database for better intelligence sharing.