National Assembly passes State Police Bill

Abdullateef Fowewe

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the State Police Bill, moving Nigeria closer to a system of state-controlled police forces and a major overhaul of the country’s centrally managed security architecture.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, 289 lawmakers voted in favour of the measure, which was presented as a response to mounting security threats including killings, kidnappings and banditry.

The bill’s passage in the lower chamber forms part of broader constitutional reform efforts intended to give states greater responsibility for maintaining law and order.

Lawmakers who supported the bill said decentralisation will enable faster, more locally informed responses to security crises and reduce the strain on the Federal Government’s security apparatus.

The House had scheduled Thursday’s sitting specifically to vote on the contentious proposal after weeks of debate.

With approval in the lower chamber secured, the bill must still navigate further legislative steps before becoming law, including consideration by the Senate and any requisite constitutional amendment procedures.