House of Representatives Set to Vote on State Police Bill Thursday
The Nigerian House of Representatives is poised to take a significant step in the country’s ongoing constitutional reform process as lawmakers prepare to vote on a series of key amendment bills, including the highly anticipated proposal for the establishment of state police.
The vote, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to shape the future of policing and internal security in Nigeria, with advocates arguing that decentralized policing could improve responses to local security challenges across the federation.
Speaking at a media briefing shortly after plenary, Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed that lawmakers have resolved to give priority attention to the state police proposal ahead of other constitutional amendment bills currently before the chamber.
Kalu, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, emphasized the importance of the legislation, describing it as one of the most critical reforms under consideration by the National Assembly.
To ensure full participation in the voting process, the House leadership has directed members who are currently outside Abuja on oversight assignments to suspend their engagements and return to the National Assembly in time for Thursday’s proceedings.
The state police bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker alongside 14 other lawmakers, seeks to amend relevant constitutional provisions to allow states to establish and operate their own police services while working within a broader national security framework.
Supporters of the proposal argue that state-controlled policing would enhance intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and enable faster responses to security threats unique to different regions. However, concerns have also been raised by critics who fear the potential misuse of state police structures for political purposes.
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The upcoming vote is expected to attract nationwide attention as Nigerians continue to debate the merits and implications of restructuring the country’s policing architecture. If approved by the House and subsequently endorsed through the constitutional amendment process, the proposal could mark one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history.
