The National Assembly has said it will pass the long-debated amendment bill establishing state police this week, as lawmakers move to accelerate reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
According to The Punch, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed that the upper chamber is prioritising the bill, describing it as a necessary response to escalating insecurity across the country.
He noted that consultations involving key stakeholders, including security agencies, executive officials, and constitutional review committees, have reached an advanced stage, paving the way for legislative action within the week.
Lawmakers say the proposed state police framework is part of broader efforts to decentralise security management and improve rapid response to crimes at the subnational level.
The push comes amid sustained national debate over Nigeria’s centralised policing structure, with growing calls from governors, lawmakers, and civil society groups for reforms to strengthen local security capacity.
However, concerns have also been raised about the potential risks of politicising state-controlled security outfits, with analysts warning that safeguards would be necessary to prevent abuse by political actors.
The bill is expected to undergo final legislative consideration before being transmitted to state assemblies for approval as required by constitutional amendment procedures.
If passed, it would mark one of the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s internal security system in recent years.
