The House of Representatives has passed the Executive Bill proposing the establishment of state police, moving Nigeria a step closer to creating a decentralized policing system.
The legislation was approved during Thursday’s plenary after lawmakers agreed to withdraw an earlier constitutional amendment proposal on state policing and instead adopt the Executive Bill submitted by the executive arm of government.
The development follows the Senate’s passage of its own version of the bill, bringing the National Assembly closer to concluding legislative work on a reform widely regarded as one of the country’s most significant security overhauls in decades.
If eventually enacted, the legislation will pave the way for a dual policing structure, allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Supporters of the proposal argue that state police will improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
More details to follow.
