Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has cautioned that the establishment of state police may not be enough to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, urging leaders to pursue comprehensive restructuring of the country’s governance and security architecture.
Speaking on the ongoing debate surrounding the creation of state police, Ezekwesili argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are deeply rooted in structural deficiencies that require broader reforms beyond decentralising policing powers. According to her, simply transferring policing responsibilities to the states without tackling underlying governance issues would provide only a temporary solution.
She maintained that the country needs a fundamental reorganisation that allows for greater devolution of powers, stronger institutions, and improved accountability at all levels of government. Ezekwesili stressed that an effective security system must reflect the realities and diversity of Nigeria’s federating units.
The former minister noted that insecurity across various parts of the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal clashes, has exposed the limitations of the current centralised system. She called on policymakers to embrace meaningful constitutional reforms capable of addressing the nation’s longstanding challenges.
Ezekwesili further urged Nigerians to engage in constructive conversations about the future of the country, emphasising that sustainable peace and development would depend on creating a governance structure that promotes inclusion, responsiveness, and local participation.
Her comments add to the growing national discourse on state policing, with supporters arguing that it would improve local intelligence gathering and response times, while critics warn against the potential abuse of such structures by state governments.
As the debate continues, Ezekwesili insists that Nigeria must focus on holistic reforms rather than viewing state police as a standalone remedy to the country’s complex security proble
