Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has emphasized that the proposed state police initiative requires substantial institutional and fiscal changes to succeed. Speaking at a town hall meeting hosted by THISDAY and ARISE TV, he argued that creating a new security architecture is insufficient without first establishing the necessary financial and legal infrastructure to maintain it.
Abiodun lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to true federalism, noting that the move to decentralize policing showcases the president’s political determination. The governor stressed that lawmakers must scrutinize why the current Nigeria Police Force is underperforming and determine how state and federal agencies can work in harmony.
Highlighting the need for judicial reform, Abiodun suggested that a more active state police force would increase arrests, which necessitates a more efficient court system. He proposed creating State Courts of Appeal to handle civil disputes, thereby relieving the pressure on national appellate courts. Furthermore, the governor pushed for addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as persistent farmers-herders clashes, to ease the load on law enforcement.
Regarding funding, Abiodun expressed concern over the varied revenue capacities of different states. He noted that even industrial hubs like Ogun face challenges with low allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). He called for an equitable funding model that blends internal revenue with federal support. Additionally, he proposed establishing independent police oversight commissions, fixed terms for police commissioners to prevent political interference, and expanding the National Police Council to include legislative leaders.
