House Reviews Tinubu's State Police Bill for Security Reform

The House of Representatives has begun a clause-by-clause review of President Bola Tinubu's executive bill, which seeks to establish state police in Nigeria. This review is part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at creating a multi-tier police system to tackle the country's worsening security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the constitutional review committee, stated that the committee's primary work is to consider the executive bill, which is substantially similar to a version already passed by the Senate with minor modifications. The Senate introduced eight minor amendments alongside new provisions to facilitate the implementation of the state police framework.

The House previously passed its own constitutional alteration bill regarding state police on June 11, but following the transmission of Tinubu's executive bill, lawmakers rescinded that decision on July 14. Kalu emphasized the need for collaboration between the executive and legislative branches to ensure the successful passage of this priority constitutional amendment.