Oyo Speaker advocates State Police, urgent security reforms

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has called for a comprehensive national security overhaul, stressing that the current centralized policing structure is overstretched and ineffective.

Speaking at a Legislative Dialogue on Nigeria’s Security Architecture in Abuja, themed “Nigeria’s Peace and Security: The Constitutional Imperatives,” Ogundoyin highlighted the need for urgent reforms to tackle growing insecurity across the country.

He noted the widespread challenges confronting Nigeria—from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry and kidnappings in the North, as well as herder-farmer clashes in the South—which continue to threaten lives, property, and food security.

While commending the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, he argued that the centralized system is no longer sufficient to address the country’s complex and evolving security issues.

Ogundoyin urged lawmakers and stakeholders to support the establishment of State Police, describing it as a patriotic and strategic necessity rather than a political move.

He acknowledged concerns about the potential abuse of State Police, jurisdictional conflicts, and operational gaps, but assured that these could be addressed through clear legislation, independent oversight, and defined inter-agency frameworks.

Beyond State Police, the Speaker emphasized the importance of enhanced intelligence sharing, better inter-agency coordination, improved funding, and training for security personnel, as well as stronger laws to tackle emerging threats like cybercrime and terrorism.

He concluded by urging legislators to act decisively, noting that security reform is not just a constitutional imperative but essential for the safety and stability of future generations.