Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, arguing that decentralising the force would significantly improve security, but warned that the proposed five-year implementation timeline is too long.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Okiro said deploying up to 60 per cent of police personnel to the states is both practical and necessary, given Nigeria’s vast geographical, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

He said, “That is proper because Nigeria is so wide—geographically, ethnically, and linguistically. This is what should have been the case all along.”

Okiro attributed longstanding inefficiencies in policing to inadequate federal funding and overstretch, noting that decentralisation would allow state governments to better equip and manage officers.

According to him, “The federal government has not been able to equip the police properly, maybe because of budget constraints and competing priorities. If decentralisation comes in and states take responsibility for part of the police, it will be better.”

He added that state-controlled policing would encourage healthy competition among governors and improve operational effectiveness.

“There will be competition among the states—each trying to do better in terms of policing. Governors are already doing well in other areas, and this will reflect in policing too,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of local knowledge, Okiro argued that officers deployed within their cultural and linguistic environments would perform better.

“Because of culture, religion, and language, it is easier for officers to operate within their states. A policeman from Rivers State will perform better there than someone unfamiliar with the terrain, language, or environment,” he explained.

While supporting state police, Okiro emphasised the need for strong coordination between federal and state forces, noting that certain crimes would still require federal oversight.

“We have one Nigeria, so there must be synergy between the Inspector-General, the federal government, and the states. Some crimes cannot be handled by states alone; they require federal involvement,” he said.

On funding, Okiro backed proposals to allocate a portion of federal revenue directly to policing, arguing that states must have financial autonomy to address their unique security challenges.

“The division of budgetary allocations is proper. States should manage their policing needs independently because they understand their local challenges better. He who wears the shoes knows where it pinches,” he noted.

He also referenced international models, particularly Canada, where provincial police systems operate with shared responsibilities between federal and subnational governments.

“In Canada, provinces have their police forces, with personnel and equipment tailored to their needs, while the federal government provides funding. Nigeria can adopt a similar approach,” he said.

On the proposed five-year implementation period, Okiro expressed strong reservations, urging a shorter and more decisive timeline.

“Five years is too long. While security reforms cannot happen overnight, the timeframe should be shorter and more realistic,” he stated.

He added that once enshrined in the constitution, the implementation of state police would not depend on any single administration.

“If it becomes constitutional, it will outlive any government. Implementation can continue regardless of who is in power,”he said.

Okiro further suggested that state governors should play a role in appointing Commissioners of Police, similar to their involvement in federal appointments.

“Governors should have input in appointing Commissioners of Police in their states, just as they recommend candidates for federal positions,” he said.

On institutional reforms, he questioned the necessity of creating a new National Police Standards Committee when the Police Service Commission already has defined oversight responsibilities.

“The Police Service Commission already has clear functions, including appointments, promotions, and discipline. We must ensure roles are not duplicated but properly aligned,” he added.

Okiro concluded that decentralised policing, backed by proper funding, legal clarity, and coordination, remains a viable path to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“State police will improve efficiency, accountability, and response to local security issues—if properly implemented,” he said.

Boluwatife Enome