House of Representatives has commenced the consideration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Bill on the establishment of state police, with lawmakers indicating that the Senate-passed version of the proposed legislation will serve as the working document for harmonisation.

The bill, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu as part of ongoing constitutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture, is being considered by the House Committee on Constitution Review.

Speaking at the committee’s meeting yesterday, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu, said members would undertake a clause-by-clause consideration of the Executive Bill, taking into account amendments already made by the Senate.

Kalu recalled that before the National Assembly proceeded on recess, the House had on June 11 passed its own Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police. However, the chamber subsequently rescinded that decision on July 14 following the transmission of the Executive Bill by President Tinubu.

According to him, the Executive Bill has already scaled first and second readings in the House, while the extensive stakeholder engagement held during the National Assembly Open Week effectively satisfied the public hearing requirement.

He described the proposed legislation as one of President Tinubu’s signature constitutional reform initiatives, noting that the President had consistently advocated a multi-layered policing system even before assuming office.

The Deputy Speaker stressed that the Executive and Legislature were working together to address the country’s security challenges through constitutional reforms.

Kalu noted that lawmakers convened outside the House’s traditional Tuesday sitting due to the urgency of the legislation.

“We are here today not because it is convenient for us. Our parliamentary week ordinarily begins on Tuesday, but duty calls, and time is of the essence.”

We are joining hands with the Executive to ensure that this collaborative effort results in the successful passage of this priority constitutional amendment,” he added.

He also disclosed that both chambers of the National Assembly were working closely to fast-track the constitutional amendment process and expressed confidence that the bill would receive speedy presidential assent once passed.

Explaining the committee’s assignment, Kalu said the Senate-passed version of the bill had already been circulated to members and would serve as the primary working draft during deliberations.

He explained that the Executive Bill is substantially similar to previous versions considered by the National Assembly, with only minor modifications, including the introduction of Section 318 on interpretation and transitional and saving provisions to facilitate implementation of the proposed State Police framework.

Kalu revealed that the Senate introduced about eight minor amendments, which the House Committee would examine and adopt where necessary.