State Police Establishment Requires Constitutional Change

Rotimi Akin, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, emphasized that the establishment of state police in Nigeria cannot proceed without a constitutional amendment. He highlighted that no formal steps toward implementation can occur without legislative action from the National Assembly.

This statement comes amid ongoing debates about decentralizing police authority in response to increasing insecurity, including banditry and kidnappings. Akin noted that the Inspector General of Police is set to implement a committee to clarify the establishment of state police, which requires constitutional changes.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed support for reforms to strengthen national security and has urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments to allow state control over police. The ongoing constitutional review process includes 40 proposed amendments, with discussions on various state police bills.

The House Committee on Constitutional Review, led by Benjamin Kalu, is committed to a transparent approach to reform, ensuring safeguards against abuse while balancing local security needs.