The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has approved its committee recommendations supporting the proposed establishment of State police in Nigeria.

The approval followed a unanimous vote by lawmakers during plenary on Wednesday.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee on Inter-Governmental, Political and Special Matters, Emem Udom, said the committee had examined the provisions of the National Policing Bill and recommended its approval without amendment.

The Speaker, Udeme Otong, said the proposed legislation sought to establish a constitutional framework for state police services.

“It also sought to retain the federal police service and its responsibilities for federal policing functions,” he said.

Otong said the proposed framework would promote cooperation between federal and state police services through information sharing and mutual assistance.

He added that state police would bring policing closer to communities, improve responses to security threats and strengthen crime prevention through local intelligence and community engagement.

The Speaker also said the establishment of state police services would create employment opportunities for young people.

In a separate development, the Assembly commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio Akpa, in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The commendation followed a motion moved by the Deputy Whip, Bernard Idiong, and supported by Eric Akpan.