CDA Restates Strong Support for State Police, Calls for Genuine Federalism and Fiscal Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 3rd July, 2026.

CDA Restates Strong Support for State Police, Calls for Genuine Federalism and Fiscal Reform

The Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) has reaffirmed its strong support for the establishment of State Police Services through the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, describing the proposed reform as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and advancing genuine federalism.

The Party maintains that Nigeria’s highly centralised policing structure is no longer sufficient to effectively address the country’s evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, organised crime and other emerging threats. Bringing policing closer to the people, CDA believes, will improve operational efficiency, intelligence gathering, accountability and public confidence in law enforcement.

However, the Party emphasises that creating State Police alone will not guarantee success. CDA insists that meaningful policing reform must be accompanied by broader constitutional restructuring anchored on its guiding principle:

“Constitutional Responsibility Must Be Matched by Constitutional Authority and Constitutional Revenue.”

According to the Party, assigning policing responsibilities to States without granting them adequate fiscal autonomy and sustainable revenue sources risks creating underfunded and ineffective police institutions. For State Police to succeed, constitutional reform must be complemented by fiscal federalism that empowers States to finance their constitutional responsibilities independently.

While supporting the passage of the Bill, CDA has proposed important amendments to strengthen the constitutional framework. These include renaming the National Police Council as the *Federation Police Council* to reflect cooperative federalism; ensuring transparent, merit-based appointment of State Police Commanders through State Police Service Commissions, subject to confirmation by State Houses of Assembly; limiting federal intervention in State Police affairs to exceptional constitutional circumstances with judicial and legislative oversight; preserving national minimum policing standards without permitting indirect federal operational control; and constitutionally recognising Community Policing Advisory Councils to promote citizen participation, transparency and accountability.

Drawing from the experiences of established federal democracies such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia and India, CDA notes that successful decentralised policing systems are founded on clear constitutional responsibilities, professional standards, independent oversight, sustainable funding and effective cooperation between national and sub-national governments.

The Party further advocates a carefully phased implementation process involving enabling legislation, institutional development, transparent recruitment, professional training, integrated intelligence systems, financial accountability and periodic performance reviews to ensure a smooth transition to a dual policing framework.

In furtherance of its commitment to constructive constitutional engagement, the Citizens Democratic Alliance has formally submitted its comprehensive Position Paper to both the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the House of Representatives as part of the ongoing constitutional review process. This reflects the Party’s belief that effective public policy is best achieved through informed dialogue, evidence-based recommendations, and sustained engagement with democratic institutions.

The Citizens Democratic Alliance therefore reiterates that it fully supports the constitutional establishment of State Police Services. However, the Party maintains that the long-term success of the reform depends on aligning policing with genuine federalism, fiscal autonomy, institutional independence, democratic accountability, respect for human rights and sustainable financing.

CDA believes that adopting these recommendations will produce a more responsive, professional and accountable policing system, strengthen public confidence in law enforcement, reinforce Nigeria’s democratic institutions and contribute significantly to national peace, security and development.

CDA – LET’S WORK TO MAKE NIGERIA WORK!!!

Signed:
Citizen Umar Abdulrazaq
National Publicity Secretary
Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA)