The House of Representatives has commenced a clause-by-clause review of President Bola Tinubu’s executive bill seeking to establish state police, as lawmakers move closer to passing one of the administration’s key constitutional reform proposals.
Speaking during a meeting of the House Committee on Constitution Review, the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, said the House would rely on much of the work already completed by the Senate to speed up the legislative process.
Kalu explained that although the House had earlier passed its own State Police Constitution Alteration Bill before proceeding on recess, lawmakers later rescinded that decision after President Tinubu submitted an executive bill on the same subject.
According to him, the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is well positioned to initiate comprehensive reforms aimed at tackling Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
He noted that the executive bill has already passed its first and second readings, while stakeholder consultations held during the National Assembly Open Week satisfied the public hearing requirement.
Kalu described the proposed legislation as one of President Tinubu’s signature constitutional reform initiatives, recalling that the President had long advocated for a multi-level policing system during his time as governor of Lagos State.
He stressed that the National Assembly is working closely with the executive to ensure the bill is passed without unnecessary delays, saying improving security remains a national priority.
The Deputy Speaker also disclosed that the House Committee would use the Senate-approved version of the bill as its working document during the review, examining the amendments already introduced by the upper chamber and adopting them where necessary.
According to him, the Senate made about eight minor amendments, including provisions covering interpretation, transitional arrangements and implementation of the proposed state police framework.
Lawmakers believe the proposed constitutional amendment will pave the way for a multi-tier policing system, allowing states to establish their own police forces to strengthen internal security across the country.
If passed by both chambers and assented to by President Tinubu, the legislation is expected to mark a major shift in Nigeria’s policing structure.
