Governor Peter Mbah has called for financial autonomy and adequate funding for proposed state police services, stressing that modern technology and operational independence are critical to improving security across Nigeria.
Speaking at a national town hall on state policing in Abuja, Mbah advocated for a legal framework that balances national standards with local operational authority, while ensuring state police services receive direct funding through a first-line charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Drawing from Enugu State’s experience, the governor said his administration significantly reduced violent crime by investing in AI-enabled surveillance cameras, a Safe City monitoring system, a Distress Response Squad, and improved coordination among security agencies.
He noted that the state’s integrated command and control centre has enhanced communication between the police, military and other security agencies, leading to quicker responses to security threats.
Mbah also called for constitutional backing for state police, with operational details to be addressed through legislation, arguing that such an approach would allow future reforms without requiring constitutional amendments.
He maintained that strengthening operational capacity, rather than limiting the powers of governors, should be the priority in the ongoing debate on state policing.
