The Kaduna State House of Assembly has approved a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to pave the way for the establishment of state police services in the country.
The bill, transmitted to the state legislature by the National Assembly for concurrence, was approved during Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Henry Dajuma.
The proposed legislation is titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services and for Related Matters, 2006.”
Speaking with journalists after the plenary, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Henry Marah, who represents Jaba State Constituency, said the lawmakers supported the establishment of state police to strengthen security and improve responses to criminal activities.
Mr Marah said the proposed system would enhance community security, protect lives and property, and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He argued that the existing policing structure limits the ability of state governments to directly hold police authorities accountable for security failures.
According to him, state police would provide a legal framework for community-based security initiatives and improve local responses to banditry and other crimes.
Kaduna promises funding
Mr Marah assured residents that the state government would prioritise funding for the proposed police outfit if the constitutional amendment takes effect.
He said Kaduna was prepared to reduce spending on other projects if necessary to ensure adequate funding for state policing.
“We are ready to prioritise funding for the state police, even if it means reducing expenditure on other projects,” Mr Marah said.
The lawmaker urged residents to support the initiative, expressing optimism that improved security would encourage farmers to return to their farms and harvest their crops without fear of kidnapping.
State Police Bill needs wider approval
Kaduna’s approval adds the state to the growing list of Houses of Assembly considering the proposed constitutional amendment.
The National Assembly transmitted the State Police Bill to all 36 state legislatures after both chambers approved the proposal. Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, a constitutional amendment requires approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly, 24 out of 36 states, before the process can proceed to the next stage.
The proposal has been driven by persistent insecurity, with supporters arguing that decentralised policing would enable states to respond more quickly to local security threats. Critics of state police have, however, previously raised concerns about possible political interference and abuse of state-controlled security structures.
Assembly considers other bills
Mr Marah also disclosed that the Kaduna Assembly was considering an amendment to the Kaduna State Library Board Law to transform public libraries into electronic libraries and information and communications technology centres.
He said the proposed centres would coordinate e-library services across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The facilities are expected to provide free internet access and assist students with registration for examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the West African Examinations Council.
The lawmaker said the initiative would reduce the burden on students who currently travel long distances to access such services.
He added that the Assembly was also deliberating on a bill seeking to establish the Kaduna State Local Government Service Commission.
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