Support for the proposed establishment of state police across Nigeria gained significant momentum on Thursday as speakers of all 36 State Houses of Assembly, governors, the Labour Party and the Forum of APC Speakers endorsed the constitutional amendment passed by the Senate.
The bill, which must be approved by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, seeks to create a dual policing structure where state governments can establish police services within their jurisdictions while the Nigeria Police Force retains responsibility for national security issues.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State described the passage as a “courageous and timely step.” The Kano State House of Assembly convened an immediate stakeholders’ meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
However, the Peoples Redemption Party opposed the move, questioning the credibility of the Tinubu administration. Safeguards in the bill include provisions protecting commissioners of police from arbitrary suspension and prohibiting governors from issuing operational directives targeting specific individuals.