Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged the Federal Government to provide greater clarity on its plan to establish additional military divisions across the country. Speaking at an Allied Peoples Movement town hall meeting in the North-Central zone, Makinde said new military formations should not be created without adequate planning and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Makinde also questioned whether the increased allocations to state governments from the Federation Account had translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians. He acknowledged that states were receiving more money but said the increase had not sufficiently addressed the economic hardship confronting citizens. “When I assumed office in 2019, Oyo State depended on federal allocations for almost 80 per cent of its revenue,” he said, implying that the fiscal position remained fragile despite higher disbursements.
This mirrors the structural tension between the Federal Government and states over security architecture. The Constitution places the Nigeria Police Force and the military under federal control. States have sought greater autonomy over policing for years. The Oyo State House of Assembly passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services on Tuesday. The bill passed third reading after clause-by-clause consideration at the Committee of the Whole. The state will transmit its resolution to the National Assembly.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has separately pledged to strengthen security in the state. He met with security chiefs at the State House Marina on 29 September and was briefed on plans ahead of end-of-year activities. “We will not relent on our efforts to ensure that criminals don’t find a place for their evil activities in the state,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Winners and Losers
Winners: State governments, which gain a platform to demand more control over policing. The APM, which uses Makinde’s profile to build opposition momentum ahead of 2027.
Losers: The Federal Government, which faces scrutiny over its security spending and allocation strategy. States that remain dependent on federal allocations despite increased disbursements.
Bottom Line: More money to states has not ended hunger. More military divisions may not end insecurity. The question is whether either approach addresses the root causes.