JUST IN: Bill For State Police Passes To Second Reading

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for the second reading a bill aimed at establishing state police across the country.

Sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, and supported by 14 others, the bill seeks to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to allow states to set up their own police forces.

During the debate on the House floor, Kalu, representing the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of Nigerians over political interests. He urged fellow lawmakers to consider the welfare of citizens and the nation.

Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), also spoke in support, stating, “It is the responsibility of the police to maintain law and order. With a population of over 200 million people, our police force, which is less than 400,000 strong, is insufficient. Establishing State Police is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges.”