Senate Moves to Pass State Police Bill, Seeks Constitutional Amendment

The Nigerian Senate is set to begin consideration of amendments to the 1999 Constitution this week to pave the way for the establishment of state police across the country.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, indicating that the proposed legislation could soon be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification once approved by the National Assembly.

According to Bamidele, there is broad consensus among key stakeholders on the need for state police, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s governors have expressed support for the initiative. He described the legislative week commencing on Tuesday as a significant period for the Senate’s constitutional reform efforts.

The Senate Leader revealed that the leadership of the National Assembly recently held consultations with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and other relevant stakeholders, expressing confidence that the bill is ready for passage.

He explained that after securing approval from both chambers of the National Assembly, the constitutional amendment would be forwarded to state legislatures for ratification. Under the constitutional amendment process, at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly must endorse the proposal before it can be presented to the President for assent.