Major Shift in State Police Reform as Reps Withdraw Own Bill

Major Shift in State Police Reform as Reps Withdraw Own Bill

The House of Representatives has withdrawn its proposed constitutional amendment bill on the establishment of state police, paving the way for lawmakers to consider a similar proposal submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

The decision was taken during Tuesday’s plenary after the Executive-sponsored bill scaled its first and second readings. The legislation was thereafter referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for detailed scrutiny.

The move effectively puts the House’s earlier proposal on hold as lawmakers shift their attention to the President’s version of the constitutional amendment, which seeks to provide the legal framework for the creation of state police across the country.

At the committee stage, members are expected to examine the bill’s provisions, consider stakeholders’ input where necessary, and make recommendations before the legislation returns to the House for further debate and possible passage.

The latest development represents another important step in the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing structure.

For years, advocates of state police have argued that decentralising law enforcement would strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, and enable quicker responses to local security challenges.

However, concerns have also been raised over the possibility of political interference and abuse if state police forces are not backed by adequate constitutional safeguards.

The outcome of the committee’s review and subsequent legislative processes will determine the future of the proposed amendment and its role in reshaping Nigeria’s security architecture.