State Police: City Boy Movement Explains Why Young Nigerians Stand To Gain Most

The City Boy Movement has said young Nigerians stand to benefit significantly from the proposed establishment of state police, citing the potential to improve community security, protect businesses and expand economic opportunities.

The Movement stated this while welcoming the approval of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, by 24 State Houses of Assembly, describing the development as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

In a statement on Friday, the Movement’s National Director of Public Affairs, Daniel Ogoloma, commended the approving assemblies, the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu for advancing the proposed reform.

“For years, Nigerians have called for a policing system that understands local communities and responds more effectively to their security challenges. President Tinubu made a commitment to this reform, and today, we are witnessing significant progress towards its realisation,” Ogoloma stated.

He noted that insecurity continued to undermine economic opportunities, disrupt education, threaten businesses and discourage investment, with young Nigerians particularly exposed to its consequences.

“Young Nigerians do not need another promise of opportunity. They need roads they can travel safely, businesses they can operate without fear and communities where they can pursue their ambitions in peace,” he said.

Ogoloma added that a trader in Onitsha, a technology entrepreneur in Yaba and a farmer in Benue all depended on security for their survival and prosperity.

“A properly structured and accountable state policing system can bring law enforcement closer to the people and improve responses to local security threats,” he added.

The approval by 24 assemblies meets the two-thirds threshold required under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, paving the way for the bill to return to the National Assembly for transmission to the President for assent.

The Movement urged the remaining State Houses of Assembly to support the amendment, saying every state had young people whose prospects depended on safer communities.

It also cautioned that the success of state policing would depend on professionalism, adequate training, accountability and respect for fundamental human rights.

“State policing must never become an instrument of political intimidation or abuse of power. It must serve the people, protect their rights and strengthen public trust,” Ogoloma urged.

The Movement further noted that work on the National Policing Bill was ongoing, with draft legislation and consequential amendments undergoing review at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

It reaffirmed its support for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture while calling for safeguards to ensure the proposed system protects citizens and earns public trust.