The Presidency has disclosed that Nigeria is moving closer to establishing state police, with a constitutional amendment required for the new policing structure expected to be introduced soon.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, made the disclosure after a high-level consultative meeting on state police held at the State House in Abuja.

According to Gbajabiamila, discussions on the proposed state policing framework began several months ago on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and have made significant progress.

He explained that establishing state police involves complex constitutional and legal processes that require extensive consultations among stakeholders, including the Executive, the National Assembly, and security agencies.

“We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to go about the establishment of state police as directed by Mr President. Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thank God we have now gained a lot of traction,” he said.

Constitutional Amendment Under Consideration

Gbajabiamila stated that attention is now focused on drafting the constitutional amendment that will provide the legal basis for state police, while enabling legislation will follow afterward.

“Right now, what we are looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law would follow thereafter,” he added.

The Chief of Staff noted that there is growing national consensus on the need for state police, stressing that the debate has shifted from whether Nigeria should adopt the system to how it should be implemented effectively.

Tinubu to Receive Report

Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu would be presented with a detailed report of the consultations and recommendations arising from the meeting.

The proposed reform is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by improving grassroots intelligence gathering, enhancing rapid response capabilities, and empowering state governments to address local security challenges more effectively.

President Tinubu has consistently advocated for decentralised policing, arguing that state police would provide a more effective response to the country’s evolving security threats while improving protection of lives and property.

Key Stakeholders Attend Meeting

Among those present at the meeting were Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior government and security officials.

If approved, the state police initiative would represent one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history, potentially reshaping law enforcement and internal security management across the country.

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Professor Emmanuel O. Ojo, a political scientist at the University of Ilorin, has called for the repeal of the Land Use Act to allow communities benefit directly from their mineral resources.

Speaking during the university’s 291st Inaugural Lecture titled “The Worship of an Unknown Deity,” Ojo said the current law “robs Peter to pay Paul,” as it centralizes control of natural wealth.

He suggested that while royalties from solid minerals should go to the federal purse, states should manage the resources within their boundaries. According to him, a restructured federal system is essential for national growth, efficiency, and unity.

Ojo also advocated the revival of local governments, a fairer revenue allocation formula, and citizenship rights for residents who have lived in any state for at least ten years.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen the federal character principle, extend it to infrastructure distribution, and begin work on a new constitution that truly reflects the people’s will.

“The present constitution,” he said, “is a legacy of military rule and cannot deliver genuine federalism.”

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Justice Mohammed Danjuma, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the Police Service Commission (PSC) violated due process in compulsorily retiring ACP Idachaba. The judge ruled that the retirement breached his constitutional right to a fair hearing. The directive demanding salary reimbursement from August 1, 2015, was declared unlawful and unenforceable.

The decision followed an appeal filed by Idachaba’s legal representative, Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN. The appeal challenged a National Industrial Court ruling from May 15, 2024, which had upheld the PSC’s action.

According to court documents, Idachaba was promoted to ACP in 2023. Shortly after, his salary was stopped, and he was compulsorily retired without being informed of any formal allegations. He was also denied access to the PSC plenary session records where the decision was allegedly made.

Ojukwu argued that the PSC’s actions contravened multiple constitutional and statutory provisions governing police service and disciplinary procedures. He also cited a 2023 Supreme Court decision (NPF & Ors v. PSC & Anor) confirming that the PSC cannot delegate disciplinary authority to the Nigeria Police Force or any third party.

The Appeal Court agreed with the arguments. It ruled the compulsory retirement invalid and ordered full reinstatement of ACP Idachaba, including all rights and benefits effective from August 18, 2023. Although the court dismissed his N100 million damages claim, it awarded him N2 million in compensation. The PSC and the Nigeria Police Force were ordered to pay the amount jointly.

This judgment marks a significant precedent. It emphasizes the importance of due process in disciplinary matters affecting senior police officers and reaffirms legal protections for public servants under Nigerian law.

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