The House of Representatives has endorsed the establishment of state police and approved 18 constitutional amendment proposals as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s governance and security architecture.
The resolutions were adopted during plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
The endorsement of state policing represents a major step in the National Assembly’s constitutional review process and could significantly alter Nigeria’s security framework if eventually enacted into law.
Lawmakers considered the recommendations during deliberations on proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, improving governance and addressing persistent security challenges across the country.
For years, advocates of state police have argued that Nigeria’s centrally controlled policing structure has become overstretched due to the country’s growing population and increasingly complex security threats.
Supporters of the proposal believe decentralising policing responsibilities would enable state governments to respond more effectively to local security concerns, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen community-based law enforcement.
They also argue that state police would enhance collaboration between security agencies and local communities, leading to quicker responses to criminal activities and emerging threats.
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The House’s approval marks a significant milestone in the constitutional amendment process. However, the proposal must still pass through additional legislative stages and secure the required constitutional backing before it can become law.
The constitutional review exercise also saw lawmakers adopt 18 amendment clauses covering various aspects of governance and institutional reforms, although deliberations on several other proposals are expected to continue.
The National Assembly’s ongoing review of the Constitution is intended to address key national concerns, including security, governance efficiency, institutional effectiveness and democratic development.
Further consideration of pending amendment proposals is expected in the coming weeks as lawmakers continue efforts to reshape aspects of Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
