As the national debate over the devolution of security powers intensifies, Open Alliance, a prominent coalition of civil society organisations, has urgently called for stricter accountability, transparency, and human rights protections to be integrated into the proposed state policing framework.
The coalition warns that structural changes alone will not fix Nigeria’s security crisis without robust governance safeguards to prevent political abuse and ensure citizen safety.
The call follows a high-level stakeholder dialogue titled “Devolution of Policing in Nigeria: Pathways to Effective and Accountable State Policing,” convened by the coalition in Abuja. The forum brought together security experts, legal practitioners, policy actors, and media professionals to dissect the volatile security architecture of the country.
The Push for Institutional Oversight
Nigeria continues to battle escalating security challenges, a steep decline in public trust toward law enforcement, and systemic deficits in police accountability. While decentralising the police force has been championed as a vital solution, Open Alliance argues that decentralisation without oversight is a recipe for disaster.
“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 the protection of citizens’ rights,” the coalition stated in an official communique. “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 and improve service delivery.”
Funding Deficits and Political Risks
A major point of contention during the Abuja dialogue was the stark fiscal disparity among Nigeria’s 36 states. Stakeholders openly questioned the financial capacity of many state governments to sustainably fund modern policing operations, pay competitive salaries, and maintain professional standards.
Beyond finances, the coalition raised a critical red flag regarding operational independence. Without strict constitutional firewalls, state-controlled police forces could easily turn into armed political tools used by governors to suppress opposition, muzzle local media, and violate fundamental human rights.
Alternative Models and Uniform Standards
Rather than a rushed, blanket rollout, the dialogue explored alternative, decentralized policing models. These include phased implementation plans, regional security collaborations, and hybrid resource-sharing arrangements to help financially strained states meet security needs without compromising operational standards.
The coalition emphasized that regardless of the final model Nigeria adopts, there must be uncompromising national standards governing professionalism, operational conduct, and constitutional safeguards across all states.
Moving forward, Open Alliance is urging lawmakers to prioritize evidence-based policymaking and inclusive public consultations, ensuring that ongoing constitutional amendments reflect the authentic security needs and aspirations of everyday Nigerians.
Coalition Signatories
This urgent call for reform was jointly signed by member organizations of the Open Alliance, including: BudgIT Foundation, FENRAD, International Peace & Civic Responsibility Centre, Accountability Lab, Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Volume Pod, CISLAC, Dataphyte Foundation, African Centre for Governance, Asset Recovery & Sustainable Development, CDD, CLEEN, Connected Development (CODE), PLSI, Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative, African Centre for Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Friends, Centre for Inclusive Social Development, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, OGP, Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC), Nigeria Women Agro Allied, Global Agent for Emancipation, Impact House Centre for Development & Communication, Accelerating Social Impact Initiative, Centre for Accountability & Inclusive Development, Global Relief Empowerment Initiative, 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth & Women Initiative, and the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED).
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