Nigeria will require an additional 554,353 police personnel to adequately staff the proposed state police system, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said.
Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, disclosed this on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at a colloquium in honour of the late former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the governor, data from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, based on the United Nations benchmark of one police officer to 414 citizens, indicates that the country would need approximately 184,784 recruits annually over three years.
He argued that decentralising policing would improve security by enabling officers to understand local communities, languages and terrain. However, he warned that unequal revenue generation among states could undermine the proposed reform without a sustainable funding arrangement.
Abiodun called for a constitutional State Police Take-Off Fund that would provide equal-access grants, additional support based on need and funding tied to performance standards.
He also stressed the need for transparent recruitment, professional training, adequate welfare and strong accountability measures to prevent political interference and human rights abuses.
The governor maintained that state policing was essential not only for public safety but also for economic growth, arguing that insecurity discourages investment, disrupts farming and threatens infrastructure.
Other speakers at the colloquium, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, called for a professional and accountable policing framework that balances local responsiveness with national cohesion and citizens’ rights.
Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, disclosed this on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at a colloquium in honour of the late former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the governor, data from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, based on the United Nations benchmark of one police officer to 414 citizens, indicates that the country would need approximately 184,784 recruits annually over three years.
He argued that decentralising policing would improve security by enabling officers to understand local communities, languages and terrain. However, he warned that unequal revenue generation among states could undermine the proposed reform without a sustainable funding arrangement.
Abiodun called for a constitutional State Police Take-Off Fund that would provide equal-access grants, additional support based on need and funding tied to performance standards.
He also stressed the need for transparent recruitment, professional training, adequate welfare and strong accountability measures to prevent political interference and human rights abuses.
The governor maintained that state policing was essential not only for public safety but also for economic growth, arguing that insecurity discourages investment, disrupts farming and threatens infrastructure.
Other speakers at the colloquium, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, called for a professional and accountable policing framework that balances local responsiveness with national cohesion and citizens’ rights.
Your reaction
Story guide
Understand this story
Summary
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says Nigeria would need 554,353 additional personnel for the proposed state police system, urging the Federal Government and state governments to establish sustainable funding arrangements. Nigeria will require an additional 554,353 police personnel to adequately staff the proposed state police system, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said.Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’...
Key takeaways
- Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says Nigeria would need 554,353 additional personnel for the proposed state police system, urging the Federal Government and state governments to establish sustainable funding arrangements.
- Nigeria will require an additional 554,353 police personnel to adequately staff the proposed state police system, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said.Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, disclosed this on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at a colloquium in honour of the late former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.According to the governor, data from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, based on the United Nations benchmark of one police officer to 414 citizens, indicates that the country would need approximately 184,784 recruits annually over three years.He argued that decentralising policing would improve security by enabling officers to understand local communities, languages and terrain.
- However, he warned that unequal revenue generation among states could undermine the proposed reform without a sustainable funding arrangement.Abiodun called for a constitutional State Police Take-Off Fund that would provide equal-access grants, additional support based on need and funding tied to performance standards.He also stressed the need for transparent recruitment, professional training, adequate welfare and strong accountability measures to prevent political interference and human rights abuses.The governor maintained that state policing was essential not only for public safety but also for economic growth, arguing that insecurity discourages investment, disrupts farming and threatens infrastructure.Other speakers at the colloquium, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, called for a professional and accountable policing framework that balances local responsiveness with national cohesion and citizens’ rights.
Article FAQ
What is this story about?
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says Nigeria would need 554,353 additional personnel for the proposed state police system, urging the Federal Government and state governments to establish sustainable funding arrangements. Nigeria will require an additional 554,353 police personnel to adequately staff the proposed state police system, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said.Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 9, 2026
