State Police: IGP proposes 60 month transition

60% of police to work in states of origin

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has proposed a 60-month transition plan for the creation of State Police.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had said he would implement State Police, the first and most courageous Nigerian leader to have taken a firm position on what Nigerians have demanded for decades without success.

The proposal also contains a new funding framework.

The proposal contains strict safeguards to prevent political abuse, Irohinoodua gathered.

The proposal is contained in a 75-page framework submitted to the National Assembly. The document outlines a phased implementation plan, starting with constitutional amendments within the first year.

Disu further proposed that about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s current police personnel should move to state police services, while the remaining 40 per cent would stay under the federal structure.

The framework was submitted on Thursday to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, for legislative action. It was presented on Disu’s behalf by Olu Ogunsakin, who chaired the committee set up to develop the framework.
Sources within the police said the proposal reflects a carefully structured plan to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system while maintaining strong regulatory control.

At the centre of the proposal is the creation of a State Police Fund, which would receive three per cent of the Federation Account allocation, alongside a mandatory minimum contribution of 15 per cent from each state’s security budget.

Police sources disclosed to irohin oodua that the funding model is a deliberate move to ensure transparency, sustainability, and reduce political interference.

The framework also proposes a two-tier policing system, consisting of a Federal Police Service to handle national security issues such as terrorism and interstate crimes, and State Police Services to manage local crimes including armed robbery, homicide, and domestic violence.
It also places strong emphasis on community policing, requiring each state command to establish a Department of Community Policing that will work closely with traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, and religious leaders. Community Liaison Officers are expected to understand local languages and engage directly with residents.

To address concerns about political misuse, the framework includes several safeguards, such as independent State Police Service Commissions responsible for recruitment, promotion, and discipline. It also proposes penalties for unlawful or politically motivated orders, with the Federal High Court given fast-track powers to handle such cases.

Additional accountability measures include the mandatory use of body-worn cameras, the establishment of State Police Ombudsmen, and public dashboards to track police performance and use-of-force incidents.

At the federal level, the proposal recommends the creation of a National Police Standards Board to oversee both federal and state police and ensure uniform standards. The board would also publish annual performance ratings and enforce compliance.

The transition is expected to take place over five years, beginning with constitutional amendments, followed by the gradual establishment of state commands and transfer of personnel.

A voluntary transfer programme is also proposed to allow officers move to state police without losing their benefits, including salary support, training, and pension continuity.

The proposal has already sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders, with supporters saying it will improve security and responsiveness, while critics continue to raise concerns about possible political interference. However, police authorities insist the framework contains strong safeguards and reflects international best practices.