Abiodun Says Nigeria Needs Over 554,000 More Officers for State Police
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A fresh proposal to improve security in Nigeria has revealed the huge number of officers the country may need.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors' Forum, says Nigeria needs 554,353 more personnel to staff a proposed state police system.
He made the remarks on Thursday at a colloquium in honour of the late Ondo governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, held at the University of Ibadan.
He used a UN benchmark of one officer for every 414 citizens to reach that figure.
He said it would mean recruiting about 184,784 officers a year for three years.
Abiodun said the debate is no longer about whether Nigeria needs state police, but how fast it can be set up.
He said security is local, and that a police officer must know the language and terrain of the community they serve.
He warned that the system will only work if it has enough money.
He pointed out that five states- Lagos, Rivers, the FCT, Ogun and Enugu- produce most of the country's internal revenue, while many others earn far less.
He called for a fund to make sure poorer states can still pay for policing.
He said insecurity in one state quickly becomes everyone's problem.
He also said recruitment must be fair and properly checked, and that officers need training in investigation, human rights and the lawful use of force.
He stressed that political opponents, journalists, protesters and minority groups must get the same protection as everyone else.
He also asked for better pay, equipment, medical care and support for officers' families.
Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu's push for state police has moved from a regional idea into national debate.
Former Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi and DAWN Commission Director-General Seye Oyeleye also spoke, saying the focus should now be on how to fund, train and oversee state police.
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