State Police: Nigerian lawmakers pass bill for second reading

A bill proposing the creation of state police forces in Nigeria has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu and 17 other lawmakers.

While details of the proposed legislation are yet to be made public by the office of the Deputy Speaker, the initiative is aimed at addressing the escalating security crisis across the country.

The development comes after a meeting last week at the state house with President Bola Tinubu and 36 state governors to discuss the formation of state police as a solution to the country’s pervasive security challenges, such as kidnapping and banditry.

The state police follow similar proposals in previous national assemblies that failed to gain traction. Proponents of state police argue that it would improve security by placing law enforcement closer to communities and tailoring responses to local needs.

They cite existing state-funded security outfits like Amotekun and Ebube Agu as evidence of their potential effectiveness.

Additionally, governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and regional groups like Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have voiced strong support for the bill.