Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has argued that the creation of state police alone will not solve Nigeria’s deep-rooted governance challenges, insisting that comprehensive restructuring of the country remains the only viable path forward.
On June 11, the House of Representatives passed a bill to amend the Constitution to allow the establishment of state police in Nigeria. The bill was sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and several other lawmakers. It seeks to address rising insecurity by creating state-level policing structures alongside the federal police. The proposal has now moved to the Senate and requires approval from state assemblies before it can become law.
In a public memorandum addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Nigerians, Ezekwesili said the country requires a new constitutional order that devolves powers, strengthens fiscal federalism and restores sovereignty to citizens.
According to her, Nigeria’s problems extend beyond policing and security architecture, making broader constitutional and governance reforms imperative.
“Nigeria does not merely need a new policing architecture. It needs a comprehensive restructuring agenda anchored in a new constitutional settlement,” she stated.
Ezekwesili said such reforms should include a review of the Exclusive, Concurrent and Residual Lists, devolution of powers to lower levels of government, equal citizenship rights, improved competitiveness and productivity, and a citizens-led constitutional process culminating in a referendum on a new constitution.
She described restructuring as an urgent national conversation that can no longer be delayed.
“Restructuring the dysfunctional territory and system that our beloved country has become is the bold conversation and action that Nigerians can no longer afford to postpone. There are no other viable alternatives left for us at this point,” she said.
The former minister also called for a Citizens-led Sovereign National Conference as part of efforts to redesign Nigeria’s governance framework and address longstanding structural challenges.
