Former military leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, retired President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Catholic Archbishop John Onaiyekan are currently engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of state policing.
This dialogue, facilitated by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marks the commencement of talks on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill 2023, specifically focusing on the Establishment of State Police. The bill is sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 13 other members of the House of Representatives.
The primary objective of the bill is to enhance public safety and strengthen law enforcement in Nigeria by decentralizing the police force.
The proposed legislation includes provisions for the establishment of state police alongside the existing federal police, and it delineates a constitutional framework for states opting to create and manage their own law enforcement agencies.
Kalu, who leads the House Constitution Review Committee, clarified that the bill’s purpose is to define the powers and duties of both federal and state police, as well as to address their funding and oversight.
Further details will be provided shortly.