By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Presidency has announced significant progress toward establishing state police in Nigeria. Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja after a consultative meeting at the State House. He said the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and security agencies have advanced discussions on the constitutional framework needed for state police. The move aims to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance public safety across the country.
Constitutional Amendment Process Advances
Gbajabiamila explained that discussions on state police began several months ago following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the process has gained momentum after extensive consultations among key stakeholders.
“We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to establish state police as directed by Mr President,” he said.
He noted that creating state police requires careful constitutional and legal considerations. Therefore, the government has focused on building a solid legal framework before implementation.
Presidency Eyes Constitutional Changes
Gbajabiamila revealed that stakeholders have moved beyond preliminary discussions and are now considering the required constitutional amendments.
He expressed optimism that the amendment process would reach a critical stage soon.
“Hopefully, the amendment will come shortly, and the details of the amendment will come after that,” he stated.
He added that lawmakers and government officials are currently examining the constitutional provisions needed to support the initiative. Afterwards, the enabling legislation will follow.
Broad Support for State Police
The Chief of Staff stressed that support for state police continues to grow nationwide.
According to him, discussions no longer focus on whether Nigeria should establish state police. Instead, stakeholders are concentrating on creating effective legal and institutional structures for its operation.
He said President Tinubu remains committed to the initiative and will receive a detailed report on the outcome of the consultations.
Tinubu Pushes Security Reforms
President Tinubu has consistently advocated state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The President believes a decentralised policing system will improve grassroots security and support faster responses to local threats.
In addition, he maintains that state police will enhance intelligence gathering and improve the protection of lives and property.
Key Stakeholders Attend Meeting
Several senior government officials attended the meeting.
They included Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, and Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu.
The meeting forms part of ongoing consultations aimed at developing a workable framework for state police across Nigeria.
