Chairman of the Kwara State-based Flow FM, Araba Femi Sanni, has stated that the creation of state police would aid national growth, ensure adequate security and propel foreign investments.
Speaking with journalists at the Ilorin International Airport, Sanni insisted that “empowering states to create state police is essential for national growth, security and investment.”
He noted that Nigeria’s economic strength will ultimately depend on the capacity of states to evolve into independent and prosperous economic centres.
Drawing from his experience in private enterprise and interactions across several global business environments, Sanni said typical fast-growing economies in the world have multiple thriving sub-national economies driving national development.
He said Nigeria currently has only a few of such economic hubs with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt leading the pack.
“If more states are developed into vibrant economic centres, Nigeria will naturally be better perceived globally as a fast-developing nation,” he said.
Sanni identified security as a critical factor to unlock such a growth, adding: “No investor wants to invest in an unsafe environment.”
He noted that the establishment of state police would significantly improve the country’s security architecture as it would bring law enforcement closer to communities while strengthening accountability at the state level.
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has inaugurated a 14-member State Advisory Committee on State Police as part of efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
Mutfwang explained that the initiative followed the recent position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need to deepen and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework through reforms that would enhance effective policing across the country.
The governor said the committee is expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the concept of state police within Nigeria’s federal structure and provide well-informed recommendations that will meaningfully contribute to ongoing national policy deliberations on the subject.
He emphasised that the committee’s work will help guide Plateau State in developing a pragmatic and workable framework that aligns with constitutional provisions, national security priorities, and the peculiar security realities of the state.
The committee comprises distinguished security experts, scholars, and public policy practitioners with DIG Habila Joshak (rtd) as Chairman and Dr. Julie Sanda, Director-General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency as Secretary.
Members include Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (rtd), AIG Bashir Makama (rtd), Alh. Ibrahim Sale Hassan, Prof. Jamila Nasir, CP Gyang Chollom (rtd), AIG Dorothy Gimba (rtd), Prof. Chris Kwaja, Prof. Ezekiel Best, Mr. Benjamin Osawe, Timothy Parlong, Hajiya Aishatu Damulak, Alh. Isiyaku Inuwa Dananacha.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Joshak, expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the committee would discharge its mandate diligently in the interest of peace, security, and sustainable development of the state.
