House of Representatives Approves State Police Bill

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed an Executive Bill aimed at establishing state police in Nigeria. This decision followed the withdrawal of an earlier constitutional amendment proposal on state police and was influenced by the Nigerian Senate's passage of a similar bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend Section 214 of the Constitution to formally create both Federal Police and State Police formations. It stipulates that no state police force can operate without a law passed by the relevant State House of Assembly, ensuring compliance with national standards set by the National Assembly.

The Federal Police will continue to handle policing duties in states without operational state police services. The bill also restricts Federal Police intervention in state security matters to specific circumstances, such as a complete breakdown of law and order or at the request of a state governor.

Additionally, it modifies the appointment process for the Inspector-General of Police and State Commissioners of Police, granting governors authority over state police operations.