#AriseNewsTownhall: State Police Needs Effective Funding, Deployment of Technology, Says Enugu Gov

Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah, has underscored the critical need for effective funding and the strategic deployment of technology to ensure the success of the proposed state police in Nigeria. This call comes amidst ongoing national discussions and legislative efforts to decentralize policing, moving it from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List. Mbah's assertion highlights a key challenge: while the establishment of state police is gaining traction as a solution to escalating insecurity, its operational efficacy will hinge significantly on sustainable financial mechanisms and the integration of modern technological tools. The debate now extends beyond mere establishment to the practicalities of resourcing and equipping these localized forces to meet contemporary security demands.

Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its security architecture, with a growing consensus towards the establishment of state police as a crucial step in addressing pervasive insecurity. The recent passage of a constitutional alteration bill by both the Senate and the House of Representatives signals a significant shift, moving policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, thereby empowering states to establish their own police forces. Amidst this legislative momentum, the Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mbah, has articulated a vital caveat: the success of state police is inextricably linked to adequate funding and the strategic deployment of technology.

Governor Mbah's remarks at the Arise News Townhall emphasize that security must be treated as a "Frontline Charge," akin to the judiciary and legislature, necessitating substantial and consistent financial commitment. He further highlighted that leveraging technology offers a significant advantage, moving beyond traditional "boots on the ground" approaches to more efficient and intelligence-driven policing. This perspective brings into sharp focus the practical challenges and opportunities that legal professionals and policymakers must navigate as Nigeria transitions to a decentralized policing model.

This article will delve into the constitutional and statutory frameworks governing policing in Nigeria, analyze the proposed funding mechanisms and technological imperatives for state police, and discuss the broader implications for legal practitioners, particularly concerning the implementation and oversight of these new security structures.

Historically, policing in Nigeria has been a centralized federal responsibility, with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 214(1), explicitly establishing a single Nigeria Police Force and prohibiting the creation of any other police force for the Federation or any part thereof. This centralized structure has been widely criticized for its inability to effectively address localized security challenges across Nigeria's diverse and vast landscape, leading to calls for decentralization dating back to the colonial era.

The Nigeria Police Act 2020, which repealed the Police Act Cap. P19, Laws of the Federation, 2004, sought to provide a more effective and organized police force, driven by principles of transparency and accountability. It also established an appropriate funding framework for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and enhanced professionalism through increased training opportunities and community partnership. Complementing this, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019, was enacted to provide a legal framework for the administration, management, and disbursement of funds for the training, welfare, infrastructural development, and modernization of the NPF, drawing funds from both public and private sectors.

Despite these federal reforms, the clamour for state police intensified due to escalating insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts. This led to the recent constitutional alteration bill, which aims to amend Section 214 of the Constitution to allow for the establishment of both Federal and State Police, moving policing to the Concurrent Legislative List. This legislative shift fundamentally alters the legal landscape of security governance in Nigeria, making the discussions around funding and technology, as raised by Governor Mbah, even more pertinent.

The proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, while widely supported, presents significant legal and logistical challenges, particularly concerning funding and the integration of technology. Governor Mbah's emphasis on these two pillars resonates with ongoing debates and legislative considerations. On funding, the current proposals for state police suggest a multi-source model, including a constitutionally backed State Police Fund drawing three percent from the Federation Account, with states mandated to contribute at least 15 percent of their security budgets. Additionally, the federal government may provide grants and aid to state police upon the recommendation of the National Police Council and approval by the National Assembly.

However, concerns persist regarding the financial capacity of less economically viable states to sustain effective policing systems without compromising standards. The Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has cautioned that without a sustainable and independent funding structure, state police could be susceptible to undue influence from politicians, wealthy individuals, and even criminal elements. He suggested constitutional and legal measures to guarantee a stable revenue source, such as a fixed percentage of state budgets allocated to policing, with clear guidelines for access and management. This mirrors the existing Nigeria Police Trust Fund, which aims to provide sustainable funding for the federal police through a levy on company profits and a percentage of Federation Account revenue.

The deployment of technology is equally crucial. Governor Mbah highlighted that technology offers an effective alternative to merely increasing personnel, enabling more efficient crime detection, intelligence gathering, and rapid response. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has also stressed that education, research, and technology are critical for building a modern, professional, and intelligence-driven police force, capable of tackling sophisticated security threats. The NPF has already begun deploying digital technologies, including a Complaint Response Unit, and has officers trained in artificial intelligence, drone operations, and crime analytics. However, challenges remain, such as outdated technologies and a lack of integrated systems within the police force.

Beyond funding and technology, the legislative framework for state police includes safeguards against political abuse, such as independent State Police Service Commissions to oversee recruitment, promotions, and discipline, and provisions for federal intervention in extreme cases. The bill also allows for commissioners of police to challenge unlawful directives from governors, with the National Police Council's decision being binding. The shift of policing to the Concurrent Legislative List, as provided by the constitutional alteration bill, means that while states can establish their own forces, the National Assembly is expected to set national minimum standards and a framework for their operation.

The move towards state policing in Nigeria represents a fundamental restructuring of the nation's security architecture, holding the promise of more localized, responsive, and effective law enforcement. However, as Governor Peter Mbah aptly articulated, the realization of this promise is contingent upon robust and sustainable funding mechanisms and the strategic integration of advanced technology. Without these foundational elements, state police forces risk replicating the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities that have plagued the centralized system.

For legal practitioners, the evolving landscape presents new areas of engagement. This includes advising state governments on the establishment of legally sound state police structures, drafting legislation for funding and oversight, and navigating complex issues of inter-agency cooperation between federal and state forces. Furthermore, the emphasis on technology will necessitate expertise in areas such as data privacy, cybercrime legislation, and procurement contracts for advanced policing tools. As the constitutional alteration bill progresses through the states for ratification, continuous attention to the details of implementation, particularly regarding financial autonomy and technological modernization, will be paramount to ensuring that state police genuinely enhance security and uphold the rule of law across Nigeria.