The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has welcomed the progress of the proposed State Police Bill, describing its passage by the Senate as an important step towards improving security and strengthening federalism in the country.
The conference said the bill’s advancement in the ongoing constitutional amendment process reflects growing support for reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through community-based policing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly had earlier expressed support for the establishment of state police.
According to him, state policing would bring law enforcement closer to the people and improve the ability of security agencies to respond quickly to local threats.
He noted that security challenges differ from one community to another and argued that a policing structure that understands local environments would better protect lives and property.
The conference assured Nigerians that when the bill reaches the State Houses of Assembly, lawmakers across the country would give it careful and objective consideration in line with constitutional provisions.
Guwor said the assemblies would engage relevant stakeholders, organise public hearings where necessary and ensure that the views of citizens are taken into account before making decisions on the proposal.
He stressed that the review process would be guided by the need to promote national unity, strengthen democracy and improve security across the federation.
The conference also commended the Senate for advancing the bill and called on Nigerians and other stakeholders to continue discussions on state police with patriotism and a focus on finding lasting solutions to insecurity.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with the National Assembly, the Executive and other arms of government to ensure that any constitutional amendment adopted would strengthen governance and democratic institutions in Nigeria.
The proposed State Police Bill is one of the major constitutional reforms currently under consideration and is aimed at allowing states to establish police services that would operate alongside the federal police system.
