STATE POLICE: IGP PROPOSES 60-MONTH TRANSITION PLAN, 3% FEDERAL ALLOCATION TO DRIVE DECENTRALISED POLICING
• Recommends 60% personnel transfer to state services, 40% to remain federal
• Advocates mandatory use of body-worn cameras
• Proposes National Police Standards Board to regulate federal and state formations
Abuja, Nigeria — The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has proposed a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police, featuring a 60-month phased transition plan, a dedicated funding structure, and robust safeguards against political interference.
The proposal, contained in a detailed 75-page document submitted to the National Assembly of Nigeria, outlines a strategic roadmap for decentralising Nigeria’s policing system to enhance internal security and operational efficiency.
The framework was formally presented to the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, as part of ongoing legislative considerations on security sector reforms.
Key Proposals
At the core of the plan is a 60-month implementation timeline, beginning with constitutional amendments in the first year, followed by phased institutional development and full operational consolidation by the fifth year.
The IGP recommends a personnel restructuring model, where approximately 60 per cent of existing police officers would transition into newly established state police services, while 40 per cent would remain within a restructured federal police system.
This transition is to be facilitated through a Voluntary Transfer Programme designed to protect officers’ welfare, including salary incentives, retraining, and pension continuity.
Funding Structure
A major highlight of the proposal is the creation of a constitutionally backed State Police Fund, financed through:
Three per cent allocation from the Federation Account, and
A mandatory minimum of 15 per cent contribution from state security budgets
This funding model is designed to ensure transparency, sustainability, and insulation from political manipulation, addressing long-standing concerns over inadequate and opaque police financing.
Two-Tier Policing System
The framework introduces a dual policing architecture, comprising:
A Federal Police Service (FPS) responsible for national security, terrorism, interstate crime, and protection of federal assets, and
State Police Services across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, tasked with handling localised crimes and community-based intelligence gathering.
Community Policing and Accountability
Central to the proposal is a strengthened community policing model, mandating the establishment of Community Policing Departments in all state commands.
These units will work closely with local stakeholders, including traditional institutions, youth groups, women’s organisations, and religious leaders.
To enhance accountability and transparency, the framework also proposes:
Mandatory deployment of body-worn cameras
Establishment of State Police Ombudsmen
Introduction of public performance dashboards tracking operational metrics and citizen feedback
Safeguards Against Political Abuse
Addressing concerns over potential misuse by political actors, the proposal includes strong institutional checks such as:
Independent State Police Service Commissions overseeing recruitment, promotions, and discipline
Criminal penalties for unlawful or partisan deployment of officers
Fast-track adjudication of abuse cases by the Federal High Court
National Oversight Mechanism
At the federal level, the framework recommends the creation of a National Police Standards Board (NPSB) — a 13-member independent body responsible for setting and enforcing uniform standards across all police formations nationwide.
The board will also publish annual compliance reports and enforce sanctions on defaulting states.
Constitutional Amendments
The proposal calls for significant amendments to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, particularly:
Revising Section 214 to allow coexistence of federal and state police
Moving policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List
Introducing a new Section 214A to legally establish the National Police Standards Board
Outlook
The submission of the framework has intensified debate among policymakers, security experts, and legislators, as Nigeria considers one of its most far-reaching security reforms in recent history.
While supporters argue that decentralised policing will improve responsiveness and intelligence gathering, critics remain cautious about implementation risks.
However, police authorities maintain that the proposed safeguards and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to ensure accountability and professionalism.
The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the proposal in the coming weeks as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.