The House of Representatives is set to vote on a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police on Thursday, a move that could significantly alter the country’s security architecture.
Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this on Wednesday, while addressing journalists in Abuja.
Kalu urged all lawmakers to be present at Thursday’s plenary session to participate in the crucial vote, describing the proposed amendment as one of the key issues before the parliament.
The push for state police has gained momentum amid growing concerns over insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal clashes in several parts of the country.
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Supporters of the proposal argue that state-controlled police forces would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and enable quicker responses to security threats.
However, critics have expressed concerns that state governors could abuse such forces for political purposes.
The constitutional amendment forms part of the ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution being undertaken by the National Assembly.
If approved by the House and subsequently endorsed through the constitutional amendment process, the bill could pave the way for the creation of separate police forces under the control of state governments, ending the longstanding monopoly of the federal government over policing in Nigeria.
Thursday’s vote is expected to be closely watched by stakeholders, including state governors, security experts and civil society groups, many of whom have repeatedly called for reforms to address the country’s worsening security challenges.
