Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for strong constitutional safeguards and sustainable funding as Nigeria considers establishing state police.
According to a Daily Post report published on July 9, 2026, the Kogi Central senator made the remarks at a symposium in Abuja organised by ARISE News and THISDAY Newspaper on the theme, Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said any legislation creating state police must include clear legal protections to prevent the system from being used for political intimidation or oppression. She urged lawmakers to ensure the proposed policing structure promotes accountability, professionalism and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The senator also stressed that adequate and consistent funding is essential to the success of state police. She warned that without sufficient financial support, state police would struggle to meet their constitutional responsibilities, including recruitment, training, equipment procurement and operational logistics.
“Funding is one of the most important aspects the Federal Government must address,” she said, adding that a sustainable financing framework should be established before state police are introduced to ensure the system can function effectively and serve the public interest.
