IMPI Urges National Assembly to Fast-Track State Police via Doctrine of Necessity

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has urged the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to accelerate the establishment of state police, amid growing concerns over delays in reforming Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

The policy think tank said the urgency of Nigeria’s worsening security situation justifies an expedited legislative process to decentralise policing and improve local response to crime.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, IMPI argued that the current centralised policing structure has become increasingly inadequate in addressing community-level security challenges across the country.

According to the group, the police system should remain the foundation of internal security, but must be restructured to reflect local realities and improve effectiveness.

“We posit, in this regard, that the police force should be the foundation of the country’s internal security architecture,” the statement read. “In consideration of this, we acknowledge efforts that are being made to establish the State Police as part of the nation’s security apparatus.”

IMPI stressed that officers recruited and deployed within their local environments would be better positioned to respond to security threats due to familiarity with terrain, culture and community dynamics.

“The would-be police officers are better placed because of their knowledge of the culture and familiarity with their environment,” it added, insisting that decentralised policing would strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response.

The group therefore called on lawmakers to take extraordinary legislative steps to speed up the passage of the enabling law.

“We therefore call on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to ensure the passage of the law creating State Police without delay,” IMPI stated.

Beyond legislative action, the policy group also urged state governments to deepen community participation in security management as part of a broader reform strategy.

It said effective policing must be supported by grassroots engagement that empowers local stakeholders to take ownership of security challenges.

“Community mobilisation is a process of engaging and empowering members of a community to take ownership of and actively participate in addressing issues and challenges facing the community,” the statement noted.

IMPI explained that such mobilisation should involve traditional rulers, local organisations, and government institutions working together toward shared security goals.

The group added that community-driven security structures would enhance accountability, improve governance, and promote peaceful coexistence.

“It involves bringing together various stakeholders within a community, such as community leaders, local organisations, and government agencies, to work towards a common goal,” it said.

IMPI maintained that strengthening community involvement would not only improve security outcomes but also ensure that policing reflects the interests and realities of local populations.

“Participation in community mobilisation is about addressing the interests of the entire community, with security at the top,” the group added.

The policy think tank reiterated that urgent reforms are needed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, warning that delays in restructuring the policing system could further strain national stability.