National Assembly Advances State Police Framework in Nigeria

The National Assembly of Nigeria is making significant progress towards establishing a state police framework, which is part of a broader effort to decentralize the police system. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) disclosed that the Assembly is working on a legislative framework designed to institutionalize state police while embedding safeguards to prevent political misuse.

This initiative arises from the recognition that Nigeria's current unitary police system struggles to address evolving security challenges, particularly in regions facing insurgency and banditry. The proposed model envisions a dual structure comprising a federal police service and multiple state police services, allowing for localized responses to security issues.

Additionally, the framework suggests creating a constitutional guarantee for state police funding, mandating a three percent allocation from federal accounts. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance operational autonomy while ensuring oversight and accountability, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for structural reform in Nigeria's security architecture.