By N.Ugoh
In response to the escalating security challenges plaguing Nigeria, the Federal Government (FG) and state governors have taken a significant stride by considering the establishment of state police forces.
This decision emerged from a crucial meeting held between President Bola Tinubu and the governors on Thursday, February 15, 2024, in Abuja.
Addressing the media following the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that both the FG and state governors concurred on the imperative need for state policing to address the nation’s security woes.
However, Idris emphasized that considerable deliberations are yet to take place to outline the specifics of implementing this proposal. He acknowledged that numerous meetings would be necessary to flesh out the modalities surrounding the creation of state police forces.
“The Federal Government and the state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police,” Idris stated. “But as I said, more work needs to be done in that direction.”
He further emphasized the significance of this shift in policy, marking the first time that the FG and state governments have reached consensus on the establishment of state police.
The creation of state police has long been a subject of public discourse and advocacy. With this agreement between the FG and governors, there is palpable optimism for a proactive approach towards enhancing security across the nation.
Moving forward, stakeholders anticipate a series of engagements and discussions to navigate the intricacies of implementing state policing, ensuring it aligns with national security imperatives while upholding the rule of law.
