House of Representatives on Thursday passed an executive bill to establish state police forces, advancing a major reform aimed at tackling the country’s persistent security challenges.
The move comes after the chamber withdrew its earlier constitutional amendment proposal on the issue and adopted the version sent by the executive, aligning with a bill already approved by the Senate. This paves the way for a dual policing system that would allow states to create and manage their own forces alongside the federal police.
The passage marks a significant step toward shifting policing powers from the exclusive federal list to the concurrent list, potentially enabling faster local responses to threats such as banditry, kidnapping and communal clashes.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee, had earlier stressed the need for the reform during related proceedings, describing it as essential to strengthen democratic governance and address shortcomings in the centralised system.
“As the House prepares to vote, we remain guided by our constitutional responsibility to strengthen democratic governance, deepen federalism, promote inclusion, enhance security, and build institutions that will meet the demands of a modern and prosperous nation,” Kalu was quoted as saying in support of the broader constitutional changes.
The bill still requires endorsement by at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s state assemblies before it can be signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Proponents argue that decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering and operational efficiency, while critics have raised concerns over potential abuse by state governors.
Details of the next steps in the harmonisation process between the two chambers are expected to emerge in the coming days.
