Nigerian Senate Approves State Police Bill for Security

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate passed the State Police Bill, which enables state governors to appoint police commissioners, pending confirmation from state houses of assembly. The legislation received overwhelming support during a manual voting process led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The bill aims to establish a framework for state police operations alongside the federal police system, addressing concerns about potential abuses of power by state authorities. Key provisions include safeguards to protect political freedoms and civil liberties, ensuring that state police actions comply with existing legal processes.

The Senate abandoned plans for an electronic voting system due to technical glitches, opting for a manual vote to ensure transparency. The bill is part of President Bola Tinubu's broader reform agenda to tackle security threats, including terrorism and banditry.

Following its passage, the bill will be sent to at least 24 state houses of assembly for final approval before being forwarded to the President for assent.