The Senate has announced plans to consider a constitutional amendment bill that would pave the way for the creation of state police, as concerns over terrorism, banditry and other security challenges continue to grow across Nigeria.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed that lawmakers are set to prioritise the proposal this week, describing it as one of the most important issues before the National Assembly.
According to him, there is now broad support for state police among key stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, state governors, lawmakers and other relevant institutions.
“Our position is very clear on state police. We are standing with Nigerians on the issue of state police. There cannot be a better time to establish state police than now,” Bamidele said.
The Senate Leader explained that the National Assembly has decided to separate the state police proposal from other constitutional amendment bills in order to fast-track its passage.
“We came to the conclusion that we are going to pass the constitutional amendment to make provision for state police. If I can tell you as of today, that will come to fruition this very week because there is no need for further delay,” he added.
Bamidele revealed that extensive consultations have already taken place involving the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, security agencies and other stakeholders.
According to him, once the Senate and House of Representatives approve the amendment, it will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, where it must secure support from at least two-thirds of the state legislatures before becoming law.
“The bill can be on its way to the 36 states as soon as possible because we need two-thirds of the state assemblies to approve it before the president can assent to it,” he said.
The lawmaker also expressed confidence that President Tinubu supports the proposal and would readily sign it into law if it successfully completes the legislative process.
“The president is with us on this proposal. I am sure he cannot wait for the bill to come to him for assent,” Bamidele stated.
The push for state police has gained momentum in recent years as many Nigerians argue that decentralising policing could improve intelligence gathering and strengthen security responses at the grassroots level.
Supporters believe state-controlled police forces would help tackle local security threats more effectively, while critics have raised concerns about possible abuse by state governments.
With insecurity remaining one of the country’s biggest challenges, the outcome of this week’s deliberations is expected to attract nationwide attention.
