The Governors can fix insecurity position has been emphasised by former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who stated that state governors must take primary responsibility for addressing insecurity within their jurisdictions rather than depending on directives and interventions from Abuja.
Nigeria’s security architecture remains largely centralised, with key agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force under federal control. This structure has often led to situations where state governments defer to the Federal Government on operational decisions, especially during security crises.
In recent years, rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes have intensified calls for reforms, including the establishment of state police and greater decentralisation of security management. Within this context, stakeholders have continued to debate the extent of authority and responsibility that state governments should exercise in safeguarding lives and property.
Owoseni stated that the recurring practice of governors seeking solutions from Abuja limits effective and timely responses to local threats. He said, “The issue of everybody running to Abuja, it is not the president that will design the security in the states for them.”
He added that governors are not incapacitated, stressing that “every governor has a solution within his domain,” and should deploy available resources and intelligence systems to manage security challenges proactively.
The former police commissioner explained that each state possesses unique security dynamics that require tailored responses based on local realities. According to him, reliance on a central command structure may delay interventions and reduce the effectiveness of strategies designed without adequate local input.
Owoseni further highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering at the grassroots level. He noted that community trust remains critical to obtaining timely and actionable information, stating that security agencies require cooperation from residents to function effectively.
He also addressed the role of technology, explaining that while surveillance tools and digital systems are useful, they cannot replace human intelligence and field operations. He said security efforts must include “highly resourced boots on the ground” supported by credible local intelligence networks.
In addition, he called for collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local institutions, describing such partnerships as essential for sustaining security efforts. He advocated what he described as a “whole society approach,” where responsibility is shared among government, security agencies, and citizens.
The Governors can fix insecurity argument reinforces calls for greater accountability at the state level. It suggests that governors should strengthen internal coordination with security agencies operating within their states and invest in systems that enhance rapid response capabilities.
The position also contributes to ongoing national discussions on security sector reforms, particularly debates around decentralisation and the potential creation of state policing structures. Strengthening local security frameworks may improve response times and ensure that interventions are aligned with specific regional challenges.
