The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that state Houses of Assembly will give speedy and thorough consideration to the proposed State Police Bill, bringing the country a step closer to establishing state-controlled police services.
The assurance comes after the Senate passed the constitutional amendment bill, which seeks to create state police as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Dennis Guwor, described the Senate’s action as a significant milestone in the push for improved security and true federalism.
According to him, state legislatures had long supported the idea of state policing because security challenges differ across communities and require local solutions.
“Security is local, and our people deserve a policing system that understands their environment and responds quickly to emerging threats,” Guwor said.
He assured Nigerians that once the bill reaches the state assemblies, lawmakers across the 36 states will examine it carefully, consult stakeholders, organise public hearings where necessary, and act in the interest of national security and unity.
Guwor also praised the National Assembly for advancing the bill and reaffirmed the Conference’s commitment to working with the executive and other arms of government to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Bill Still Requires State Approval
Although the Senate has passed the proposal, the bill has not yet become law.
To complete the constitutional amendment process, it must be approved by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Even after presidential approval, each state will still be required to pass its own legislation establishing the structure, funding, recruitment process and operations of its state police service.
Governors Welcome Senate Decision
The proposed reform has continued to receive support from several state governments.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the Senate’s approval as a bold and timely step towards addressing insecurity.
According to him, state police would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and enable quicker responses to security threats because officers would better understand local communities.
The governor also commended President Tinubu for backing the reform, describing it as a long-awaited initiative capable of improving national security.|
Plateau Assembly Backs State Police
The Plateau State House of Assembly also declared its readiness to support the legislation.
Speaker Naanlong Daniel said lawmakers would treat the bill as a priority once it is transmitted to the Assembly.
He expressed confidence that state policing would help address persistent insecurity across Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria while improving public confidence in law enforcement.
The Speaker also commended President Tinubu for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security system.
Earlier, the Plateau State Advisory Committee on State Police, led by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Habila Joshak, urged lawmakers to support the initiative, describing state police as essential for improving intelligence gathering and tackling local security challenges.
Delta Deputy Governor Hails Reform
Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme also praised the progress of the bill, describing it as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing long-standing security challenges.
Speaking while receiving members of the City Boy Movement, Onyeme commended the President for pursuing reforms aimed at improving safety across the country.
He also applauded the City Boy Movement for supporting government policies and encouraging grassroots participation.
The group’s Delta State Coordinator, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, said members would continue mobilising support for President Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC while promoting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
If eventually signed into law, the State Police Bill will introduce a dual policing system, allowing federal and state police services to operate side by side in Nigeria.
