The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, marking a significant step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing system amid growing security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes.
During Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, 289 of the 290 lawmakers present voted in favour of the proposal, while one voted against it. The Speaker abstained. The bill is among 37 constitutional amendment proposals currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
Supporters argued that state-controlled police forces would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen local security responses, and enhance efforts to combat crime across the country. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the proposal has received broad support from key stakeholders, including the Presidency, governors, and security experts.
Proceedings were briefly interrupted when Kaduna lawmaker Bashir Zubairu objected to the bill’s consideration, citing insufficient time for members to review the committee report. Despite the concerns and several points of order raised during deliberations, the House proceeded with the clause-by-clause review.
Abbas also informed lawmakers that technical issues with the electronic voting system required voting to be conducted based on attendance.
Although the House’s approval is a major milestone, the amendment must still pass the Senate and secure the endorsement of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
Elijah Adeyemi
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