Nigeria’s House of Reps Passes State Police Bill for Second Reading: A Step Towards Enhanced Security

Towards improving security in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has passed the State Police Bill for a second reading.

The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and 14 other lawmakers, seeks to alter the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria to establish state police.

Leading the debate on the bill, Hon. Tolani Shagaya highlighted the primary purpose of government as the security and welfare of the citizens.

Recent times have seen collective security being greatly challenged, making state policing not only inevitable but urgently desired to tackle the mounting challenges of insecurity.

The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of a tailored, community-centric policing system and acknowledges the unique position of states in addressing security challenges within their borders.

The bill also aims to transfer “Police” from the “Exclusive Legislative List” to the “Concurrent Legislative List,” empowering states to have state-controlled policing.

Moreover, the bill introduces a comprehensive framework to ensure cohesion, accountability, and uniform standards between the Federal Police and State Police.

It also provides prescribed rigorous safeguards to prevent unwarranted interference by the Federal Police in State Police affairs, emphasizing collaboration and intervention only under well-defined circumstances.

During the session, lawmakers like Hon. Ahmed Jaha and Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the need for community policing and the importance of ensuring that Nigerians can “sleep with their eyes closed.

” The bill garnered the support of the majority of the members and was later referred to the Committee on Constitution Review.

The passing of the State Police Bill for a second reading marks a significant step towards enhancing security in Nigeria through a collaborative and consultative federal system of policing.

With the potential to effectively address the unique security challenges faced by each state, the proposed legislation could greatly contribute to the overall safety and welfare of the Nigerian citizens.