House of Reps Passes State Police Bill to Enhance Security

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the State Police Bill, a crucial development in Nigeria's ongoing constitutional reform process aimed at addressing the country's security challenges. The bill garnered overwhelming support, with 289 members voting in favor and none against, while one member abstained.

The House confirmed an attendance of 290 members, meeting the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds quorum in the 360-member chamber. This legislation seeks to amend Sections 214 and 216 of the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police.

The bill's passage is part of a broader constitutional review exercise currently undertaken by the National Assembly. Speaker of the House, Hon. Abba Tajudeen, described the bill's passage as a significant step toward strengthening internal security and emphasized the need for a police framework that is responsive to local realities while remaining anchored within the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, chair of the House Committee on Constitutional Review, noted that the outcome reflects a strong national consensus on the need for security sector reform.