Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has expressed confidence that Nigeria is on the verge of establishing state police, assuring citizens that the legislative framework required to actualize the initiative is nearing completion.
Speaking to parliamentary correspondents after Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu disclosed that the House of Representatives would on Thursday vote on a constitutional amendment aimed at creating state police as part of efforts to address the country’s growing security challenges.
The Deputy Speaker said the responsibility of securing lives and property rests not only on the executive arm of government but also on the legislature and judiciary, stressing that lawmakers must deploy legislative measures to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, lawmakers have concluded that retaining the current legal framework would not adequately address the insecurity confronting the country. He noted that the House had therefore prioritized constitutional reforms to improve security response mechanisms, with state policing forming a central part of the strategy.
Kalu revealed that consultations with key stakeholders had produced broad consensus on the initiative, adding that the proposal had received support from the executive arm of government, state governors, and security authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police.
He explained that the current provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 214, do not permit the establishment of state police without constitutional amendments.
“The structure has been agreed to by the IGP and his team. National consensus has also been reached. The executive has bought into it, governors have bought into it, and there is a clear need for state police,” Kalu said.
Flanked by caucus leaders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the Deputy Speaker dismissed reports suggesting attempts were being made to frustrate the process, insisting that the National Assembly remained committed to delivering the amendment.
He expressed optimism that once passed by the National Assembly, the proposal would receive the support of state Houses of Assembly and be forwarded to President for assent without delay.
Kalu also directed members of the House currently undertaking oversight functions across the country to return to Abuja for Thursday’s session, describing the vote as an emergency national assignment.
“We want all our members to be in the House so that we can show our constituents that we support state police and that security remains our priority,” he stated.
If approved, the constitutional amendment is expected to mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s security framework by paving the way for the establishment of state-controlled police formations across the federation.
