Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment to establish state Police in the country.
The bill, passed following a House Vote on June 11 garnered a total of 290 total votes cast. This included 289 votes in favor, 1 against, and 0 abstentions.
The bill’s passage comes roughly a week after the Federal Government revealed its imminent introduction at the legislative houses.
As such, the move represents sweeping support for state governments to control their security following rising insecurity across the country. Following the bill’s passage at the House of Reps, it will now proceed to the Senate for unification and final approval.
Interestingly, the Senate has already passed the second reading of its version of the State Police bill today, June 11.
The bill, presented by Senate Leader Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele received broad support with no noted opposition. Hence, it was referred to the Senate Committee on Constitution Alteration for further scrutiny.
However, despite the approval, the Senate deferred the critical Third Reading and vote until then first week of July after their current break. If the Senate passes it, any differences between the House and Senate versions would be harmonized by a conference committee.
Notably, the bill seeks to create a dual policing system in Nigeria with a Federal Police and Independent State Police for each state. The Federal Police will maintain public order nationwide with limited intervention power in states unless invited during serious breakdowns. Meanwhile, their deployment will require approval from the National Police Council (NPC).
The Inspector-General will remain the head of the Federal Police while states will have Commissioners appointed by the Governor under the NPC’s oversight.
