Reps begin clause-by-clause review of Tinubu’s state police bill

Nigeria's House of Representatives has begun a clause-by-clause review of President Bola Tinubu's executive bill proposing the establishment of state police forces. This legislative process signals a strong likelihood that the House will adopt a version closely resembling the one already passed by the Senate, with only minor adjustments anticipated.

“

The purpose of today’s meeting is to consider the executive bill clause by clause and make appropriate recommendations to the House. We must note that the Senate has already considered and adopted the bill with certain amendments, and copies of that version have been circulated to members. This document will serve as our working draft throughout this exercise.

The consideration of this bill represents a crucial development in the ongoing constitutional amendment efforts aimed at restructuring Nigeria's policing system. The proposed multi-tier policing framework seeks to enhance the nation's capacity to combat escalating security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

“

On the clause-by-clause consideration, the executive bill is substantially similar to what we have previously worked on, with only minor adjustments. Therefore, we do not anticipate any major departure from the work already undertaken.

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, stated that the committee would use the Senate's adopted version as its main working document. He noted that the executive bill is substantially similar to previous drafts, and significant departures from the Senate's work are not expected. Kalu highlighted that the Senate introduced approximately eight minor amendments, along with new provisions concerning interpretation, transitional arrangements, and implementation.

“

You will see the introduction of Section 318 dealing with interpretation, as well as transitional and saving provisions to facilitate the implementation and operationalisation of the state police framework, together with other consequential amendments. The Senate also introduced about eight minor clauses with slight adjustments that are not too significant.

Kalu also mentioned that the Senate's version includes a new Section 318 for interpretation and provisions for transitional and saving measures to facilitate the operationalization of state police. The House had previously passed its own Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police in June but rescinded that decision in July to consider the President's executive proposal. This strategic move ensures a unified approach to the significant reform of Nigeria's security architecture.

“

So, as we proceed with this amendment process, we shall take into consideration the work already done by the Senate and adopt it where applicable.