A national dialogue on state policing has commenced in Abuja with the presence of several prominent figures, including former Nigeria’s military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and retired Catholic Archbishop John Onaiyekan.
The event, organized by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marks the beginning of discussions on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (alteration) bill 2023 (Establishment of State Police).
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 13 others, aims to enhance public safety and reinforce law enforcement in Nigeria by decentralizing the police force. It proposes the inclusion of state police alongside the federal police, offering a constitutional framework for states interested in establishing and managing their own law enforcement agencies.
In his opening remarks, Kalu stated, “The bill aims to clarify the scope of the powers and responsibilities of the federal and state police and to provide for their funding and oversight.”
Kalu, who chairs the House Constitution Review Committee, emphasized the importance of the bill in addressing the country’s security challenges.
More details on the outcome of the dialogue will be provided shortly.
