Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed optimism that Nigeria could establish a state police system within one month, following the reported endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendment by about 30 state Houses of Assembly.
Akpabio made the disclosure on Wednesday while receiving members of a northern youth organisation, Arewa Revival Project, led by its coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim, at his office.
The group visited the Senate President to present him with an award in recognition of his contributions to nation-building.
Speaking during the meeting, Akpabio said the level of support from state legislatures could accelerate the introduction of decentralised policing in the country.
“As I speak with you now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, it may not take us a month before we have a State Police system, decentralised policing in the country, because about 30 states have endorsed the amendment to the Nigerian constitution to bring about a State Police system,” he said.
He expressed confidence that state policing would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the country’s response to growing security threats.
Akpabio also assured Nigerians that the country would eventually overcome its security challenges.
“I always tell them that the devil that you see today, you will soon see them no more. Very soon, we shall overcome the insecurity that we face today,” he added.
State Police Debate Gains Momentum
The establishment of state police has remained a major subject of debate in Nigeria, particularly amid persistent challenges involving terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Proponents argue that decentralising policing would allow state governments to respond more effectively to security threats within their territories.
However, introducing state police requires constitutional amendments and the establishment of an appropriate legal and institutional framework to define the responsibilities of federal and state-controlled police formations.
Akpabio’s statement comes amid ongoing constitutional reform discussions involving the National Assembly and state legislatures.
Akpabio Mobilises Northern Youths for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
Beyond the state police proposal, Akpabio urged members of the Arewa Revival Project to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration’s economic policies were designed to stabilise the country and create a better future for younger generations.
The Senate President also alleged that some individuals attacking Tinubu and his supporters on social media were being paid to do so.
He challenged the northern youths to resist what he described as social media propaganda, insisting that those defending the administration were not receiving financial incentives.
“Whatever we are doing today, we are doing it to stabilise your future and ensure the survival of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
He also defended the President’s economic reforms, particularly the tax reforms, arguing that the administration was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil revenue.
According to him, Tinubu has introduced innovations aimed at transforming the economy and reforming outdated laws.
Akpabio further gave the President a positive assessment, declaring that Tinubu deserved another four-year term.
“No President has achieved the level of development that he has done in this country today since independence,” he claimed.
He added that members of the National Assembly were proud of the administration’s performance and had endorsed Tinubu for a second term.
Economic Hardship and Insecurity Remain Major Concerns
Despite Akpabio’s commendation, the Tinubu administration continues to face criticism over rising living costs, inflation, unemployment and persistent insecurity.
The removal of the petrol subsidy and other economic reforms have also generated widespread debate over their impact on households and businesses.
Opposition politicians and other critics have repeatedly questioned the government’s handling of the economy and security situation.
Akpabio, however, urged the northern youths to take their mobilisation campaigns beyond social media and reach communities across the country.
The meeting comes as political parties, elected officials and supporters increasingly position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
