The House of Representatives will vote on a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police on Thursday, a move lawmakers say could strengthen Nigeria’s response to rising insecurity. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called on members of the lower chamber to be present during plenary as lawmakers prepare to take […]
The House of Representatives will vote on a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police on Thursday, a move lawmakers say could strengthen Nigeria’s response to rising insecurity.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called on members of the lower chamber to be present during plenary as lawmakers prepare to take a position on the long debated issue.
The constitutional amendment seeks to give both federal and state legislatures the authority to make laws on policing by moving the matter from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.
Kalu said the legislature recognises the urgent need for stronger measures to confront insecurity and believes constitutional reforms remain a critical part of the solution.
He explained that lawmakers have continued consultations on the proposal and are hopeful that decentralised policing will strengthen security operations and improve the protection of communities.
The renewed push comes amid rising concerns over banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks across several parts of the country, prompting fresh calls for state controlled policing structures.
The deputy speaker expressed confidence that the House would proceed with the vote, describing it as a significant step toward addressing the nation’s security challenges.
If approved, the bill must still secure the backing of two thirds of both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as endorsement by at least 24 state assemblies before becoming part of the Constitution.