A nationwide survey conducted by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre has revealed that 70 per cent of Nigerians support the establishment of state police to operate alongside the Federal Police.
The PUNCH reported that the survey, carried out in November 2025, explored public awareness and perceptions of Nigeria’s ongoing Constitution Review process, highlighting areas where citizens seek constitutional amendments.
In a statement on Friday, PLAC’s Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, said the survey covered Nigerians aged 18 and above across the six geopolitical zones, the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The study employed proportionate stratified random sampling from the NOI Polls Numbers Database, with interviews conducted in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin English.
“The findings show strong public backing for decentralised policing as part of broader governance reforms. Seventy per cent support the establishment of state police alongside the Federal Police, although concerns about possible abuse by state governors point to the need for strong accountability safeguards,” Nwankwo said.
Beyond state policing, the survey recorded widespread support for other constitutional reforms.
According to Nwankwo, 89 per cent of respondents favour full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments, reflecting public frustration with state-level control and a demand for improved grassroots governance.
He added, “61% support devolving more powers , including control over mineral resource, from the Federal Government to the states, while 60% believe excessive federal concentration of power undermines effective governance.”
On electoral reforms, the survey found that 91 per cent of Nigerians support mandatory electronic transmission of election results, 87 per cent believe elected legislators should vacate their seats before defecting to another party, and 77 per cent prefer the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct local government elections.
The creation of state police has been a key proposal to address insecurity in the country.
On Thursday, The PUNCH reported that President Bola Tinubu renewed his push for the policy, assuring the United States and European partners of his intention to implement it.
The President emphasised that state police “must happen” as part of efforts to enhance internal security and strengthen governance at the subnational level.
