CurrentReport Blog Former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, retired ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and retired Catholic Archbishop John Onaiyekan have initiated discussions on the implementation of state policing in Nigeria. This dialogue, orchestrated by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marks the commencement of deliberations on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (alteration) Bill 2023 (Establishment of State Police).
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and supported by 13 others, aims to revolutionize public safety and law enforcement in Nigeria by decentralizing the police force. Kalu, who leads the House Constitution Review Committee, elucidated that the bill proposes the integration of state police alongside the federal police, delineating a constitutional framework for states opting to establish and maintain their own law enforcement service.
The primary objective of the bill is to elucidate the delineation of powers and responsibilities between federal and state police entities, while also providing mechanisms for their funding and oversight. This pivotal legislation represents a crucial step towards addressing the evolving security challenges faced by Nigeria, empowering states to take proactive measures in safeguarding their communities.
