Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun states Nigeria needs 554,353 new personnel for effective decentralised policing.
Nigeria requires an additional 554,353 personnel to adequately staff a proposed state police system across the country, according to the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Governor Abiodun delivered this key security assessment on Thursday during a posthumous 70th birthday colloquium held in Ibadan, Oyo State, honoring the late former Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The high-profile security event brought together numerous governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers, according to information published by punchng.
Financing And Revenue Disparities Across States
Abiodun warned that the success of decentralised policing depends entirely on a sustainable financing arrangement that will not leave economically poorer states behind.
Empirical data shows that only five regions, including Lagos, Rivers, the Federal Capital Territory, Ogun, and Enugu, account for a massive 61.6 percent of Internally Generated Revenue nationwide.
Meanwhile, 76 percent of Nigerian states generate revenue below the national average of N13,600 per capita, creating significant funding challenges for localized security reforms.
Recruitment Targets And Operational Training
Based on the United Nations ratio of one police officer to 414 citizens, the nation requires 184,784 annual recruits over a three-year period to meet operational demands.
The Ogun State Governor stressed that officers must undergo rigorous training in investigation, evidence handling, lawful arrest, and proportionate use of force to maintain public trust.
He also emphasized that political affiliations must never determine access to police protection, noting that minority communities and peaceful protesters deserve equal safety.
Economic Growth And Regional Security Legacy
Connecting national security directly to economic development, Abiodun noted that the country cannot build a $1 trillion economy on fragile security foundations.
He credited the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, with pioneering regional security action through the establishment of Operation Amotekun in January 2020.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also spoke at the event, stating that Akeredolu successfully moved advocacy for community policing into the centre of national policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many extra police officers does Nigeria need for state police?
According to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Nigeria needs an additional 554,353 personnel to adequately staff the proposed state police system.
What is the United Nations policing ratio used in the report?
The security projections are based on the United Nations standard ratio of one police officer to every 414 citizens.
Who was honored at the Ibadan security colloquium?
The event was a posthumous 70th birthday colloquium honoring the late former Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for his pioneering work on security.
What regional security network did Oluwarotimi Akeredolu establish?
The late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu played a leading role in establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Operation Amotekun, in January 2020.
