Renowned public policy expert and economist as well as the gubernatorial candidate of the just concluded 2024 Gubernatorial elections in Edo state, Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie, made a compelling case for the creation of state police in Nigeria during a live interview on ITV , calling on the National Assembly to urgently pass the pending bill that seeks to establish decentralized policing structures across the 36 states of the federation.
During the televised segment, Dr. Aikoriogie highlighted the deepening insecurity in Nigeria, ranging from banditry and kidnapping to intercommunal conflicts and armed robbery, arguing that the centralized police system is overstretched and ill-equipped to manage localized threats effectively. According to him, the creation of state police would be a strategic response to Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, allowing for more responsive, community-based, and intelligence-driven policing.
“We cannot continue to operate a unitary policing system in a federal structure,” Dr. Aikoriogie stated. “The current Nigerian Police Force, under federal control, is too far removed from local realities. State police will bridge that gap.”
Dr. Aikoriogie did not mince words in challenging the National Assembly to show leadership and patriotism by passing the constitutional amendment bill that would give states the legal authority to create and manage their own police forces. He emphasized that the legislative backing was long overdue and that failure to act would only deepen citizens’ frustration and erode public trust in governance.
He also addressed fears that state police could be manipulated by governors for political gain. While acknowledging the concerns, Dr. Aikoriogie maintained that robust checks and balances, including oversight mechanisms and independent judiciary roles, could be incorporated into the legislation to prevent abuse.
“Democracy is about accountability. If we trust state governors with education, health, infrastructure, and even the lives of their citizens during emergencies, why not security? This is a matter of national survival.”
In a strong message directed at state chief executives, Dr. Aikoriogie emphasized that state governors must take financial responsibility for their respective police forces once the legal framework is in place. He urged governors to begin budgetary planning and institutional reforms now, so that state policing structures, when legalized, can become operational without delay.
“Security is not cheap, but insecurity is far more expensive,” he warned. “Governors must show the political will and commit to long-term financing models for state police, including the recruitment, training, and equipping of personnel.”
He recommended that states explore partnerships with local governments, private sectors, and community-based organizations to create a broad-based funding structure that ensures sustainability and effectiveness.
Dr. Aikoriogie’s appearance on ITV comes at a time when public opinion is increasingly shifting in favor of state policing. Several civil society groups, traditional rulers, and regional organizations such as Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have lent their voices to the call, citing growing crime rates and the need for a people-centered security architecture.
Analysts suggest that with figures like Dr. Aikoriogie adding intellectual and strategic weight to the conversation, momentum may finally be building for the constitutional change Nigeria desperately needs.
Dr. Aikoriogie concluded his interview by urging all Nigerians—especially policymakers, political leaders, and community stakeholders—to recognize that state police is not a luxury but a necessity.
“Security is the foundation of development,” he said. “Without it, we cannot build anything lasting—whether it’s democracy, economy, or peace.”
As the debate continues, Nigerians now await the next move from the National Assembly, hoping that the urgency and logic articulated by experts like Dr. Aikoriogie will translate into legislative action and tangible reforms that will secure the nation’s future.
