State Police Bill: A Step Towards Effective Policing in Nigeria

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the importance of establishing state police to address the security challenges faced by Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people.

Abbas believes that the current number of police officers, which is around 400,000, is insufficient to provide adequate security.

During a courtesy call by the association of Clerks of State Houses of Assembly, Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, highlighted the need for collaboration between the National Assembly and State Assemblies in the constitutional amendment process.

He stressed that the federal legislature, in isolation, cannot amend the constitution without the support of the State Assemblies.

The proposed State Police Bill aims to improve internal security by allowing police officers to be familiar with the terrain they are to police.

This is a significant step towards decentralizing policing and addressing the diverse needs of different states in Nigeria.

The Speaker also called for the domestication of the railway and power amendments made by the 9th National Assembly to enable states to enjoy some constitutional rights under the concurrent list.

The State Police Bill is a crucial step towards enhancing security in Nigeria, and it will require collaboration between the National Assembly and State Assemblies to be successfully implemented.

The bill seeks to address the security challenges faced by the country and will pave the way for a more prosperous, equitable future for all Nigerians.