Nigeria Senate to consider state police bill this week

Nigeria's Senate is set to fast-track a bill establishing state police, a move deemed urgent by legislative leaders. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced that the provision for state police will be separated from ongoing constitutional amendment processes to expedite its passage. This decision reflects a broad consensus, with Bamidele asserting that President Bola Tinubu, all state governors, and various stakeholders are aligned on the necessity of state police.

Bamidele emphasized the national urgency, stating, "there cannot be a better time to establish a state police than now." He confirmed that the National Assembly leadership has held extensive meetings with the Attorney-General's office, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Inspector-General of Police, expressing confidence in the bill's readiness. The Senate leader indicated that the bill could be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification as early as this week.

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Our position is very clear on state police. We are standing with Nigerians on the issue of state police. All strata of the federation have made it clear that there cannot be a better time to establish a state police than now.

For the bill to become law, it requires approval from at least two-thirds of the state assemblies. Bamidele expressed certainty that the President is eager for the bill's passage, noting, "I am sure he cannot wait for the bill to come to him for assent." The proposed legislation aims to decentralize policing, a long-standing demand in Nigeria, which proponents argue will improve security and local accountability.

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The bill can as well be on its way to the 36 States Houses of Assembly as soon as possible because you know we will need two-thirds of the state assemblies to approve it before the president can assent to it. The president is also with us on this proposal. I am sure he cannot wait for the bill to come to him for assent.