State Police Will Boost National Development – Sanni

Chairman of Kwara State–based Flow FM, Araba Femi Sanni, has said establishing state police across Nigeria would strengthen security, promote national development and attract foreign investment.

Sanni made the remarks while speaking with journalists at the Ilorin International Airport, stressing that empowering states to establish their own police forces is crucial to improving safety and driving economic growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s long-term economic strength depends on the ability of states to grow into independent and thriving economic centres.

Drawing from his experience in private enterprise and interactions in global business environments, Sanni explained that many fast-growing economies around the world are driven by several vibrant sub-national economies working together to boost national development.

He noted that Nigeria currently has only a few strong economic hubs, particularly Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Sanni added that if more states are developed into active economic centres, Nigeria’s global image would improve as a rapidly developing nation.

He identified security as a major requirement for economic growth, noting that investors are reluctant to commit funds in unsafe environments.

According to him, creating state police would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by bringing law enforcement closer to local communities and improving accountability at the state level.

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated a 14-member State Advisory Committee on State Police to help strengthen the state’s security structure.

The governor said the move followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for reforms aimed at deepening Nigeria’s internal security framework and improving policing nationwide.

Mutfwang explained that the committee would review the concept of state police within Nigeria’s federal system and provide recommendations to support ongoing national discussions on the issue.

He said the committee’s work would help Plateau develop a practical framework that aligns with constitutional provisions, national security priorities and the state’s unique security challenges.

The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Habila Joshak, while the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, will serve as Secretary.

Other members include Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (rtd), AIG Bashir Makama (rtd), Alhaji 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 and Alhaji Isiyaku Inuwa Dananacha.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Joshak thanked the governor for the confidence placed in them and assured that members would carry out their assignment diligently in the interest of peace, security and sustainable development in Plateau State.