By James
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Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly have declared their support for the creation of State Police, describing it as a crucial step towards tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges and deepening the country’s federal system of government.
The lawmakers, operating under the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said the proposed reform would strengthen grassroots security architecture and enable faster responses to crime and other threats across the country.
The position was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor.
According to Guwor, the Conference has consistently supported the establishment of State Police, arguing that security challenges are often local in nature and require policing structures that understand the peculiarities of individual communities.
He noted that the advancement of the State Police bill represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing debate on security reforms, decentralisation of policing powers, and the quest for true federalism.
The Speakers maintained that a community-based policing framework would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration between security agencies and local populations, and enhance the protection of lives and property.
They stressed that many of the country’s security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and violent crimes, require local knowledge and swift interventions that may be difficult to achieve through a highly centralised policing structure.
The Conference also assured Nigerians that state legislatures would subject the proposed constitutional amendment to thorough scrutiny when it is transmitted to them for ratification in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Guwor said the assemblies would engage relevant stakeholders, organise public consultations where necessary, and consider the proposal strictly in the interest of national security, public safety, and national unity.
The Speakers further commended the Senate for advancing the legislation and urged political leaders, security experts, civil society organisations, and citizens to continue constructive engagement on the issue.
They pledged to work closely with the National Assembly, the executive arm of government, and other critical stakeholders to ensure that any constitutional amendments required for the establishment of State Police are successfully considered and implemented.
The push for State Police intensified in recent years as Nigeria grapples with persistent security threats across several regions. Advocates argue that decentralising policing powers would make law enforcement more effective and responsive to local realities, while opponents have expressed concerns about potential political abuse by state governments.
Despite the differing views, calls for policing reforms have intensified amid growing demands for stronger security measures and greater autonomy for states in addressing law and order challenges within their jurisdictions.
If approved through the constitutional amendment process, the State Police initiative would mark one of the most significant security and governance reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
