At the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, outlined the administration’s case for reforming Nigeria’s Policing Architecture.

– States willing and able to establish police services would have greater capacity to protect their people and respond to local security challenges.

– Decentralised policing is expected to bring security personnel closer to communities and reduce the distance between citizens and help.

– The reform recognises the need for fair remuneration, credible career progression and proper support for officers injured in the line of duty.

– Officers dismissed for brutality, extortion or criminal conduct would be prevented from simply resurfacing in another police service.

– Local recruitment can improve intelligence gathering because officers are more familiar with the communities and terrain they serve.

– The National Police Service would remain responsible for federal duties and interstate crimes.

– Nigerians would remain protected under one constitutional framework regardless of state of origin, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

– Recruitment, background checks and training would be strengthened, with officers required to understand the law, preserve evidence and use force within lawful limits.

– The ultimate measure of success would be competent investigations, safer communities, quicker assistance and greater public confidence in the police.