Nigeria's Senate will debate constitutional amendments establishing State Police this week, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele announced on Monday.
The Senate Leader said the proposal will then go to all 36 State Houses of Assembly for approval.
Bamidele noted that stakeholders nationwide support decentralised policing structures. He told reporters that consensus exists across the country on this matter.
According to him, lawmakers may separate the State Police clause from other amendments to speed up passage. He stressed the urgency of the initiative.
President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and top security officials have backed the plan, Bamidele said. He added that there's widespread agreement among Nigerians on the timing.
"Our position is very clear on State Police," the senator noted. "We are standing with Nigerians.
All strata of the federation have made it clear that there cannot be a better time than now to establish State Police."
Debate kicks off Tuesday during the legislative week ahead. Officials view it as one of the Senate's most urgent priorities.
Extensive consultations have already occurred between Senate and House committees on constitution review. The Attorney-General of the Federation, the President's Chief of Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police participated in talks.
Once passed by the Senate, the bill moves to state legislatures for ratification. At least 24 of the 36 Houses of Assembly must approve it before going to the president.
Bamidele stressed that this constitutional route ensures proper federalism in security matters. He expressed confidence the amendment will achieve the required support across states.
