State Police Bill Moves Forward In House Of Reps

The House of Representatives has commenced consideration of President Bola Tinubu’s executive bill seeking to establish a constitutional framework for the creation of state police services across Nigeria.

According to Ireporter Online, lawmakers began deliberations on the proposed legislation as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, with the bill expected to shape the country’s future policing structure.

Speaking during a meeting of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu disclosed that the Green Chamber may adopt the Senate’s version of the bill to speed up the legislative process and ensure uniformity in the proposed constitutional amendments.

The latest development follows the House’s decision to withdraw its previously passed State Police Bill after President Tinubu transmitted a fresh executive proposal to the National Assembly for consideration. Lawmakers explained that the move was intended to align the legislative process with the executive’s more comprehensive framework.

President Tinubu’s bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution by creating a legal basis for the establishment of state police services while introducing additional safeguards for a dual policing system involving both federal and state police authorities.

The proposed legislation is regarded as a major step in the administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture by decentralising policing, improving intelligence gathering and strengthening security at the sub-national level. If eventually passed by the National Assembly and ratified by the required number of state assemblies, the bill will pave the way for the creation of state-controlled police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force.