24 states approve state police bill
Nigeria's constitution requires 24 state approvals for the bill to become law, with 10 northern and 14 southern states already endorsing it.
Nigeria's push for state police has reached a benchmark with 24 states approving the constitutional amendment bill. This number meets the endorsement required for the bill to become law, following approvals from 14 southern and 10 northern states. The National Assembly transmitted the bill to state legislatures on September 16, seeking concurrence within 30 days.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly unanimously endorsed the bill yesterday, joining the 23 other states that have given their approval. Mr. Henry Marah, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, stated that the proposed state police system would strengthen community security and improve protection of lives and property. He assured that funding would be prioritised, even if it meant reducing spending on other projects.
While 24 states have approved, nine northern states including Kogi, Niger, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, and Sokoto, are still deliberating. Lagos, Ondo, and Ebonyi are the southern states yet to conclude their reviews. State legislatures are expected to submit their final resolutions by October 29.
Why it mattersThe establishment of state police will affect the security of all Nigerians by potentially improving protection of lives and property.