The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described President Bola Tinubu’s renewed affirmation of state policing as evidence of consistency in his policy direction.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group said despite delays in the process, it is increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is committed to institutionalising state police in Nigeria.
TMSG noted that the President’s recent remarks on the establishment of state police made during an Iftar meeting with state governors marked at least the third time in the past year that he has publicly reiterated support for decentralised policing.
According to the group, President Tinubu had first raised the idea at an exploratory meeting with governors in February 2024, reflecting what it described as his long standing belief that decentralising the police would help address Nigeria’s security challenges.
TMSG contrasted this position with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who had opposed state police on the grounds that governors might abuse the system.
The group said the President’s renewed stance signals that the process of amending the Constitution to accommodate a decentralised policing framework is ongoing at the National Assembly.
It expressed support for the proposal, arguing that state policing represents a bottom up approach to security by devolving responsibilities to subnational levels and empowering states to take ownership of security within their jurisdictions.
According to TMSG, decentralised policing aligns with the “whole-of-government” approach to national security, with communities playing a more active role in maintaining safety.
Addressing concerns about potential abuse, the group said it was encouraged by proposed safeguards under consideration by federal lawmakers, including provisions for a National Police Council to provide guidelines for the establishment and operation of state police.
Under the proposed arrangement, TMSG said, the federal police would retain jurisdiction over federal crimes, national security matters, and inter-state issues, while also exercising oversight functions, including the power to recommend the removal of state police chiefs where necessary.
The group urged the National Assembly to expedite the constitutional amendment process, noting that the proposal would still require approval by state legislatures before becoming law.
TMSG said it looks forward to the completion of the legislative process to formally entrench a decentralised police system in the country.
