- Makinde said governors lack authority to direct federal security agencies
- He argued that state police would improve responses to insecurity
- The governor also warned that curfews can disrupt economic activities
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said state governors do not have the constitutional powers to issue operational directives to federal security agencies, despite being regarded as the chief security officers of their states.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Makinde made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House in Bauchi.
According to the governor, the current security structure limits the ability of state governments to respond quickly to security threats because police, military and Department of State Services (DSS) officers answer to their national headquarters rather than state authorities.
He explained that commissioners of police, DSS directors and military commanders cannot act solely on the instructions of governors without approval from their respective command structures.
“I cannot direct the Commissioner of Police in my state without the approval of the Inspector-General of Police. The same applies to the DSS and the military because they all operate under federal command,” Makinde said.
He argued that this arrangement places significant responsibility for security on governors while denying them the authority needed to effectively address challenges within their states.
Makinde said the situation further strengthens the call for the creation of state police and broader reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, a state policing system would enable governors to respond more efficiently to security threats and improve public safety.
The governor also noted that although state governments have the power to impose curfews during security emergencies, such decisions often come at a heavy economic cost.
He explained that restricting movement can disrupt businesses and affect the livelihoods of residents, making it necessary for governors to carefully balance security concerns with economic realities.
Makinde stressed that under the existing arrangement, collaboration between state governments and the Federal Government remains essential in addressing insecurity across the country.
