The House of Representatives has passed the Executive Bill seeking to establish state police, marking a major step towards decentralising Nigeria’s policing system.
The bill was approved during Thursday’s plenary after lawmakers withdrew an earlier constitutional amendment proposal on state police and adopted the Executive Bill instead.
The development follows the Senate’s earlier passage of its version of the legislation, bringing Nigeria closer to introducing a dual policing system aimed at improving internal security and enhancing law enforcement at the state level.
The proposed legislation is expected to pave the way for the creation of state-controlled police forces alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force, subject to the completion of the legislative process and presidential assent.
Nigerians have increasingly called for the state police as insecurity worsened in several parts of the country.
Many citizens believe that the current policing system, which is managed by the Federal Government, is inadequate to effectively address the country’s security challenges.
Supporters of state policing argue that recruiting indigenes to serve as police officers in their respective states would enhance crime prevention. They contend that local officers possess a better understanding of the terrain, culture, and security dynamics of their communities, enabling them to respond more effectively to criminal activities and work closely with residents to maintain law and order.
However, some citizens oppose the idea, arguing that state police could be abused by governors for political purposes or used to intimidate political opponents, thereby undermining the impartial administration of justice.
