For the proposed State Police system to function effectively, a constitutionally backed funding structure with guaranteed contributions from both federal and state governments is essential.
This formed part of key recommendations by the Prof. Olu Ogunsakin-led Steering Committee on State Police, inaugurated recently by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
According to the report, the committee proposed that the Federal Government remit three per cent of allocations from the Federation Account into a dedicated State Police Fund. In addition, state governments are expected to contribute 15 per cent of their annual security budgets.
The panel noted that such a funding model would ensure financial stability and reduce disparities between wealthier and less-resourced states. It added that fund disbursement should be based on factors such as population size, landmass, security threats, fiscal capacity, and compliance with national policing standards.
A transparent funding framework, the committee argued, would help curb corruption and prevent less-developed states from becoming “security deserts.”
Accountability and Transparency Measures
To strengthen accountability, the panel recommended the mandatory use of body-worn cameras by operational officers, with footage stored in secure cloud systems and made accessible to oversight bodies, including ombudsman offices and police service commissions.
It also proposed the introduction of public dashboards displaying arrest records, complaint data, conviction rates, and community satisfaction metrics to build public trust.
For coordination between federal and state police structures, the committee advised the establishment of a Federal-State Police Coordination Council, to be chaired by the Inspector-General of Police. Membership would include state police heads, lawmakers, civil society groups, the National Human Rights Commission, and the media.
The council would oversee joint operations, resource allocation, and dispute resolution, ensuring a unified national security response.
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On intelligence sharing, the panel recommended the creation of a National Police Intelligence Portal to enable real-time information exchange across federal and state police systems. The platform would be managed by the Federal Police Service Intelligence Bureau under protocols approved by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The committee said the portal would significantly enhance responses to crimes such as kidnapping, interstate trafficking, and organised criminal activities.
It further proposed a National Police Standards Board to regulate operations across all policing levels. The board would conduct annual inspections, publish compliance ratings, and enforce standards on recruitment, training, funding, and human rights.
States that fail to meet these standards could face corrective directives and funding penalties through the coordination council.
Safeguards Against Political Interference
To guard against political interference, the panel recommended criminal sanctions for elected officials who issue unlawful directives to police authorities. It also proposed a national register to track allegations of political interference, accessible to National Assembly oversight committees.
Additionally, fast-track judicial review procedures were suggested for urgent cases involving politically motivated police deployments.
Addressing infrastructure gaps, the committee outlined minimum standards for state police facilities, including separate detention areas for men, women, and juveniles; specialised interview rooms for gender-based violence cases; digital evidence systems; command-and-control centres; and integrated communication networks.
States are also expected to deploy crime databases, geographic information systems for crime mapping, and public complaint portals as part of the new policing framework.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.