ABUJA – In a landmark move toward restructuring Nigeria’s internal security, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has formally submitted a comprehensive 75-page framework to the National Assembly, outlining a phased transition to a decentralized policing system.
The document, presented to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, proposes a 60-month (five-year) implementation roadmap designed to transform the current unified structure into a two-tier system consisting of a Federal Police Service and 37 State Police Services (including the FCT).
The 60/40 Split and Personnel Transition
Central to the IGP’s proposal is a massive strategic redeployment of the force’s human capital. The framework recommends:
- 60% of existing personnel will be transitioned to the newly formed state police services.
- 40% of personnel will remain under the federal structure to handle national security, counter-terrorism, and interstate crimes.
To ensure a smooth transition, the plan includes a three-month salary grant, specialized transition training, and a constitutional guarantee for pension continuity for all officers moving to state commands.
Financing the New Frontier
Recognizing that funding has been a perennial hurdle for police efficiency, IGP Disu has proposed the creation of a State Police Fund. This fund would be constitutionally guaranteed, drawing:
1.3% of the Federation Account allocation.
2.A mandatory minimum contribution of 15% from each state’s annual security budget.
Oversight and Technology: The “National Standards”
To prevent the potential for political abuse by state actors—a primary concern for critics of decentralization—the framework calls for the establishment of a National Police Standards Board (NPSB). This 13-member independent body will supervise both federal and state formations to ensure uniform professional conduct across the country.
Furthermore, the proposal mandates the compulsory use of body-worn cameras for all officers on field duty, aiming to enhance transparency and provide digital accountability for police-citizen interactions.
The Phased Implementation
The transition is structured into distinct phases:
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- Year 1: Focuses on constitutional amendments, particularly to Section 214, to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List.
- Years 2–4: Involvement in the gradual transfer of assets, personnel training, and the establishment of state-level commands.
- Year 5: Final consolidation, culminating in an independent evaluation of the new system’s efficacy.
The IGP emphasized that this model prioritizes community policing as its “operational nerve center,” ensuring that security is handled by personnel who understand the local terrain and culture.
