State governors across nigeria have submitted a proposal on the creation of state police to the national assembly (nass) for review.
The proposal, submitted through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, is part of ongoing efforts to address security challenges across the country and strengthen law enforcement at the sub-national level.
According to a statement by the forum, the proposal outlines a framework for the establishment, funding, and regulation of state-controlled police structures, while also addressing concerns about oversight and accountability.
Governors said the move is aimed at improving security response, particularly in rural and underserved communities where federal policing capacity is often limited.
“The current security architecture requires reforms that reflect the realities on the ground,” the forum said, noting that decentralised policing could enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
The issue of state police has remained a subject of national debate, with supporters arguing that it would improve local security, while critics have raised concerns about possible political misuse by state authorities.
A member of the national assembly, who spoke on the development, said the proposal would undergo legislative scrutiny before any constitutional amendments are considered.
“The national assembly will review the proposal in line with constitutional provisions and national interest,” the lawmaker said.
Efforts to obtain additional comments from officials of the national assembly were unsuccessful as of press time.
The national assembly is responsible for any constitutional amendments required to establish state police, as policing is currently under the exclusive legislative list controlled by the federal government.
Security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes, have intensified calls for reforms in nigeria’s policing system in recent years.
It remains unclear when the national assembly will conclude its review of the proposal.
Further updates are expected as deliberations on the issue continue.
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