A prominent APC diaspora figure, Ayoola Lawal, has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to expedite the establishment of state police, describing the reform as a fitting democratic milestone for Nigerians.
Lawal, a former chairman of the party in the Scandinavian countries and former secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, made the appeal in a statement marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
He praised the House of Representatives for adopting recommendations supporting the creation of state police and approving relevant constitutional amendment provisions aimed at advancing the initiative.
According to him, the legislative process should be accelerated to ensure the proposed framework receives presidential assent without unnecessary delay.
Lawal described the move as a major step toward addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, noting that it reflects growing recognition of the need to modernise the country’s security architecture.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for backing the reform effort and acknowledged the leadership of the House of Representatives for pushing measures intended to strengthen national security.
The APC chieftain argued that Nigeria has grappled with numerous security threats over the years, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and organised crime.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, he maintained that a centrally controlled policing system faces significant challenges in effectively securing a country with a large population and diverse security concerns.
Lawal said decentralised policing would improve security response by allowing law enforcement agencies to better understand local communities, languages and emerging threats within their jurisdictions.
He noted that the push for state police should not be viewed as a threat to national unity but rather as an effort to improve security through a balance of federal coordination and local responsiveness.
According to him, ongoing consultations involving the Presidency, lawmakers and security stakeholders indicate serious commitment toward developing an appropriate constitutional framework for the reform.
He urged the Senate and other stakeholders to ensure the remaining legislative procedures are completed promptly, stressing that public expectations for improved security remain high.
Lawal also emphasized the need for adequate safeguards, including professional recruitment standards, transparent funding systems, independent oversight mechanisms and effective collaboration between state and federal security agencies.
Addressing concerns about potential abuse of state police by political actors, he said such risks could be mitigated through strong legal protections, judicial oversight and institutional accountability measures.
He further advised state governments to prepare for the responsibilities that would accompany the reform by investing in training, intelligence gathering, technology, forensic capabilities and community policing structures.
Drawing from his observations of security models in other countries, Lawal stated that Nigeria would benefit from a more decentralised and intelligence-driven policing approach capable of responding effectively to local realities.
He called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to support the proposal irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences, describing security as a collective national concern.
Lawal expressed optimism that, if properly implemented, state police could significantly improve public safety, strengthen accountability and contribute to a more secure and stable nation in the years ahead.