By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA – Chairman of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative has called for the establishment of a Federal Ministry of State Police to provide policy direction, coordination and oversight as Nigeria moves toward decentralized policing.
The proposal was made by Comrade Tommy Okon , who is also the coordinator of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative, Abuja chapter.
Okon argued that without a strong institutional framework, state police risks becoming fragmented and open to abuse.
In a policy paper released in Abuja recently, Okon said the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges has made a case for state police, but that its success will depend on professionalism, accountability and national coordination.
“The creation of state police should not result in fragmented or inconsistent policing systems,” Okon stated. “A dedicated ministry would provide the strategic leadership required to ensure that every state police service operates within nationally accepted standards while respecting the constitutional autonomy of the states,”he stated.
According to the proposal, the ministry would serve as the central coordinating institution for state policing across the federation. Its core mandates would include policy formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and capacity building.
The proposal noted responsibilities outlined to include: policy formulation, institutional coordination,
monitoring and accountability, capacity building as well as Funding and Resource.
Okon said the ministry would also ensure that state police formations complement federal security agencies in tackling crimes that transcend state boundaries, such as terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime and human trafficking.
The policy analyst dismissed concerns that state police would weaken national unity, arguing that a regulated system under federal oversight would instead strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure.
“Contrary to fears that state police may weaken national cohesion, a properly regulated system under the supervision of a dedicated ministry would strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure.It would create a balance relationship between federal and state security institutions while preserving national security interests,” he said.
Okon added that the establishment of ministries of state police in the various states of the federation is “not merely desirable but imperative” to ensure policing remains professional, accountable and aligned with constitutional values.
“The establishment of state police represents a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
By serving as the policy and oversight hub for state policing, the ministry would contribute significantly to safer communities, stronger institutions, and a more secure and united Nigeria.