State Police Will Enhance Security Response Across Nigeria, Says Assembly Speakers

By Ayo Kehinde

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has expressed strong support for the Senate’s passage of the State Police Bill, saying the proposed reform will enhance security response across the country and strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure.

A statement signed by its Chairman and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, described the Senate’s action as a significant milestone in the ongoing constitutional amendment process and a major step towards addressing the nation’s growing security challenges.

According to the Speakers, a properly structured community-based policing system would improve security coordination, deepen intelligence gathering and ensure quicker responses to criminal activities at the grassroots level.

The conference noted that many of Nigeria’s security threats are local in nature and therefore require policing structures that possess a thorough understanding of the terrain, culture, language and peculiar circumstances of communities.

“The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria welcomes the passage of the State Police Bill. This marks a significant step in the constitutional amendment process and in the national conversation on improving security and advancing true federalism”, the statement read.

The lawmakers argued that state policing, if backed by appropriate constitutional safeguards and accountability mechanisms, would complement existing federal security agencies and improve the overall effectiveness of law enforcement across the federation.

The body reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms to enhance public safety while strengthening democratic governance and the principles of federalism. They assured Nigerians that State Houses of Assembly would consider the proposal carefully and objectively in accordance with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prescribes the role of state legislatures in the constitutional amendment process.

According to the statement, State Houses of Assembly will engage relevant stakeholders, organise public hearings where necessary and conduct thorough deliberations on the proposal in the interest of national unity and the protection of lives and property.

While urging citizens, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to approach discussions on state policing with patriotism, factual information and a shared commitment to improving national security, the lawmakers commended the Senate for the bold move.

The Speakers reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with the National Assembly, the executive arm of government, and other stakeholders to deliver constitutional amendments that strengthen democracy, improve governance, and promote sustainable development across the federation.