The Senate has considered the Bill aimed at creating a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services across the country.
The President of the Senate Senator Akpabio during an emergency plenary on Tuesday June 23 read a letter from President Bola Tinubu on the State Police Bill, describing the proposed legislation as key component of ongoing efforts to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen the protection of lives and property nationwide.
President Tinubu noted that the proposed State Police framework would make security management more inclusive by integrating communities, traditional institutions, youth groups, elders, existing community policing structures, state governments, and the Federal Government into a coordinated security system.
He urged the Senate to give the State Police Bill before it, an “expeditious passage”, describing the proposal as a major step toward addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges through a more responsive and decentralized policing structure.
The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution and builds on previous constitutional amendment efforts undertaken by both chambers of the National Assembly.
It contains provisions designed to establish a viable policing system capable of responding more effectively to regional and national security concerns.
According to Senator Akpabio, copies of the State Police Bill have been given to members who were urged to expedite the submission of outstanding reports on constitutional amendment proposals to enable the legislature to complete its work on key reforms without delay.
He thanked the Deputy Senate President who is the chairman of the Senate committee on constitution amendment and all members of the committee for producing a comprehensive report within a short period.
The report is expected to provide legislative solutions to the country’s growing security concerns.
The President of the Senate also emphasized that one of the major advantages of State Police would be improved intelligence gathering and faster responses to security threats, enabling security agencies to act proactively rather than reacting after incidents have occurred.
The Senate expressed sympathy to victims of insecurity and families who have lost loved ones across the country, reaffirming its commitment to supporting measures that would enhance security and safeguard citizens.
The Senate is expected to continue deliberations on the State Police Bill and other constitutional amendment proposals on the next adjourned day , Wednesday June 24.
