Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that the National Assembly is ready to support the creation of state police as part of efforts to strengthen security and tackle rising criminal activities across Nigeria.
President Of the Senate : Godswill Akpabio. Photo credit: X | NTANetwork
Akpabio made this known after leading a delegation of Senate principal officers on an Eid-el-Kabir visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.
According to him, lawmakers are already exploring a framework that would allow states to play a greater role in protecting lives and property while ensuring proper oversight and accountability.
“We are looking at ways of creating a positive and not a negative state police,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President explained that the proposed structure could include a national commission responsible for regulating state police operations, training, promotions and professional standards.
While acknowledging that insecurity remains a concern in some parts of the country, Akpabio argued that the security situation has improved compared to previous years.
“There is no part of Nigeria today where the flag of any insurgent group is being hoisted,” he stated, adding that organised bomb attacks have reduced significantly.
However, he noted that criminal groups have shifted focus to softer targets such as schools, churches and mosques.
Akpabio also revealed that the National Assembly is considering increasing funding for the Police Trust Fund from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent to improve police infrastructure, equipment and operational capacity.
On the economy, the Senate President praised President Tinubu’s reforms, saying they have helped eliminate fuel queues, unify exchange rates and address what he described as unsustainable subsidy practices inherited by the administration.
He further called for increased crude oil production to support local refining, boost foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the nation’s economy.
Akpabio expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government would deliver better results for Nigerians in the years ahead.
