Nigeria must establish a dedicated funding mechanism for policing to address persistent security challenges, according to retired Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Alobi stressed that inadequate funding remains a major obstacle to effective policing, especially as the country considers reforms such as state police.
According to him, “There should be a National Police Trust Fund that will cater for the policing and internal security, purely for the police.”
He explained that such a fund would ensure consistent financing for equipment, training, and welfare, which are essential for improving police performance.
“Because the police internal security is key,” he said.
Alobi noted that years of neglect in funding have weakened the police institution and contributed to the country’s current security challenges.
“It’s unfortunate that the police culture has been so neglected… and that’s why today the country is suffering what it’s suffering in security,” he stated.
He added that proper funding would not only improve efficiency but also reduce undue dependence on the military for internal security operations.
“If you equip the police and give them the enablement, it will minimise the military intervention,” he said.
Alobi further argued that a structured funding system would enhance the independence of the police and reduce external influence.
“If that funding is provided, the police will partially be independent, and that will minimise the control by politicians,” he explained.
He maintained that prioritising sustainable funding is critical to achieving meaningful reform and strengthening Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
Triumph Ojo
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