National Assembly Developing Funding Formula for State Police, Says Deputy Speaker Kalu

The National Assembly is actively working on a funding formula for the proposed establishment of state police forces, aiming to ensure financial sustainability, according to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

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We are looking at how to make sure that funding will not be a problem with regard to state policing because, as you know, it is like taking some of the responsibility of the Federal Government for the states to handle.

Kalu stated that financing will not be an obstacle to creating state police, assuring Nigerians that mechanisms are being developed to guarantee the system's viability. He noted that the current administration's fiscal policies have significantly boosted allocations to state governments, creating room for them to assume additional responsibilities.

"We are looking at how to make sure that funding will not be a problem with regard to state policing because, as you know, it is like taking some of the responsibility of the Federal Government for the states to handle," Kalu explained. He added that the parliament is exploring "one or two things that will help funding not to become an issue."

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It is important to note that this current administration, which believes in federalism, has released more money to the states than ever before. So it wouldn’t be out of place if Mr President says, ‘I’m already sending the states a lot of money. Part of it should be used for this.’

Despite the National Assembly being on recess, lawmakers are engaged in consultations to strengthen the legislative framework for state police. Kalu emphasized their commitment, stating, "Even though we are on recess, we are here cracking our heads to see how we can put the bricks properly and build the wall of that legislative enactment in a way that it will be solid enough to carry the load that is going to be on it."

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As a parliament, we are looking at where we can get one or two things that will help funding not to become an issue. We’ll figure it out in the coming days.

Addressing concerns about potential abuse by governors, Kalu acknowledged the fears but highlighted that the proposed constitutional amendment includes safeguards. The draft legislation aims to clearly define the powers and duties of state police while prescribing national minimum standards to prevent misuse, such as deploying forces to intimidate political opponents.

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In fact, that’s one of the reasons some of us are not on holiday. Even though we are on recess, we are here cracking our heads to see how we can put the bricks properly and build the wall of that legislative enactment in a way that it will be solid enough to carry the load that is going to be on it.