The Inspector General of Police (IG), Tunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework to the National Assembly outlining a proposed state policing system intended to decentralise Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen public trust.
The proposal, presented on Thursday to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, outlines a two-tier policing structure:
- Federal Police Service (FPS): Focused on terrorism, interstate crime, and protection of federal assets.
- State Police Services: Comprising 37 state commands, including the FCT, responsible for local crimes such as armed robbery, homicide, domestic violence, and community-level intelligence gathering.
Key elements of the framework include:
- Funding Structure:
o A constitutionally guaranteed State Police Fund, drawing 3% from the Federation Account and at least 15% from each state’s security budget.
o Designed as an anti-corruption mechanism to ensure transparency, sustainability, and operational independence.
- Community Policing:
o Each state command will have a Department of Community Policing.
o Structured forums will involve traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, and religious leaders, liaising with Community Liaison Officers fluent in local languages.
o Emphasis on rebuilding public trust and accountability.
- Safeguards Against Political Abuse:
o Independent State Police Service Commissions to manage recruitment, promotions, and discipline.
o Criminal sanctions for partisan deployment of officers.
o Federal High Court fast-track jurisdiction for politically motivated cases.
o Additional oversight via State Police Ombudsmen, body-worn cameras, and public performance dashboards.
- National Oversight:
o National Police Standards Board (NPSB): A 13-member independent body tasked with enforcing uniform standards and publishing annual compliance ratings.
- Personnel Management:
o Voluntary Transfer Programme (VTP): Officers can migrate to state commands with benefits including a three-month salary grant, transition training, and pension continuity.
o Approximately 60% of current personnel would move to state services, while 40% remain federal to preserve stability and institutional memory.
- Implementation Roadmap:
o 60-month phased rollout.
o Year 1: Constitutional amendments, including changes to Section 214 and creation of Section 214A for the NPSB.
o Subsequent years: Establishment of state commands, personnel transfers, and federal withdrawal from routine local policing.
o Full consolidation expected in years 4–5, followed by independent evaluation and legislative review.
Police sources said the framework reflects extensive consultation and international best practices, aimed at improving responsiveness, intelligence gathering, and community trust while preventing political interference.
The proposal has sparked debate in the National Assembly, with supporters highlighting enhanced local security management and critics cautioning that risks could emerge if the safeguards fail.
