IGP Presents Detailed State Police Framework to Senate for Constitutional Amendment
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has formally submitted a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin. This significant move is part of ongoing national efforts to decentralize policing in Nigeria and reform the country's security architecture.
Submission at the National Assembly
The framework was presented on Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja to Senator Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. According to a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, the 75-page document was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin.
Professor Ogunsakin chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee specifically tasked with examining the modalities for establishing state police across the nation. The report is titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police.” It meticulously outlines the proposed operational structure and coordination mechanisms necessary for implementing state-level policing in Nigeria.
Professional Insights and Strategic Recommendations
In his remarks on the submission, IGP Disu emphasized that the document reflects the professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Nigeria Police Force. These were derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal, and administrative implications of instituting state police.
“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting state police in Nigeria,” Disu stated. He expressed optimism that this framework would contribute meaningfully to the ongoing constitutional review deliberations, supporting informed and pragmatic decisions regarding Nigeria's future security infrastructure.
The IGP confirmed that the report has been forwarded as the Nigeria Police Force's official input to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, marking a pivotal step in the legislative process.
Senate's Response and Alignment with National Agenda
In his response, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as proactive engagement on this critical issue. He noted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's broader agenda to strengthen national security and address pressing security challenges across the country.
Barau assured that the Senate committee would thoroughly examine the framework alongside other memoranda submitted for consideration as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process. This review is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of policing in Nigeria, potentially leading to significant reforms in how security is managed at both federal and state levels.
The submission of this framework represents a landmark development in Nigeria's security sector reform, highlighting collaborative efforts between law enforcement and legislative bodies to enhance public safety and governance.
