State police: More details, please

Nigeria appears poised to adopt state police forces, a significant reform debated for decades, championed by President Bola Tinubu. This move is seen as a potential advancement for federalism and a more responsive security system in Nigeria's complex environment.

Concerns about state governors potentially abusing their authority under a state police system are acknowledged as legitimate. However, the article counters that the federal government has a history of misusing the Nigeria Police. It highlights that a large portion of the estimated 370,000 police officers are allegedly assigned to VIP duties, performing personal errands rather than addressing widespread security needs in towns and villages.

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The Nigeria Police is estimated to have a strength of about 370,000 officers. Yet, rather than being deployed where they are most needed, two-thirds of the corps are reportedly attached illegally to VIP duties.

The Tinubu administration has taken concrete steps, including sending a bill to the National Assembly and establishing a Presidential Working Group (PWG) on July 7. This group is tasked with analyzing the legal, operational, and financial aspects of a dual policing system. The PWG, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, is expected to present its report by September 3.

Initially, the PWG set a deadline of August 13 for public and stakeholder memoranda, which was deemed hasty for such a fundamental reform. The deadline has since been extended to August 21. The article suggests that fears surrounding state police should be addressed through robust legislation and institutional frameworks, drawing lessons from other federal systems that successfully implement devolved policing.

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For a reform as fundamental as this, the window should be extended in the interest of thoroughness and broader participation.