Open Alliance, a coalition of civil society organisations, has called for greater attention to accountability, transparency, human rights protections, and citizen participation in ongoing conversations around the proposed devolution of policing in Nigeria.
The call follows a stakeholder dialogue on “Devolution of Policing in Nigeria: Pathways to Effective and Accountable State Policing” convened by the coalition in Abuja on May 13, 2026. The dialogue brought together representatives of civil society organisations, governance institutions, development partners, legal practitioners, security experts, media professionals, and policy actors to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with state policing.
The dialogue comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face growing security challenges, declining public trust in law enforcement institutions, concerns over police accountability, and increasing calls for reforms to the country’s security architecture. While state policing has emerged as a prominent proposal in national discussions on security sector reform, stakeholders noted that questions around governance, accountability, funding, and institutional capacity remain unresolved.
Discussions highlighted that the effectiveness of any policing system depends not only on its structure but also on the strength of the institutions responsible for oversight, accountability, and protection of citizens’ rights. Participants stressed that the establishment of state police should not be viewed as a standalone solution to insecurity but as part of broader efforts to strengthen public trust, improve service delivery, and enhance the legitimacy of policing institutions.
Stakeholders also examined the fiscal implications of state policing, noting significant differences in states’ financial and institutional capacities. Concerns were raised about some states’ ability to sustainably fund policing operations, maintain professional standards, and ensure operational independence from political influence.
The dialogue further explored alternative models for decentralised policing, including phased implementation approaches, regional collaborations, and hybrid arrangements that could allow states to share resources and coordinate security responses while maintaining accountability standards.
Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining uniform national standards on professionalism, human rights compliance, operational conduct, and constitutional safeguards, regardless of the policing model adopted. They also underscored the need for broad citizen engagement and public consultation to ensure that policing reforms reflect the needs, realities, and aspirations of communities across the country.
As discussions on constitutional amendments and policing reforms continue, Open Alliance reiterates the importance of evidence-based policymaking and inclusive dialogue in shaping a policing system that is effective, accountable, rights-based, and responsive to the security needs of Nigerians.