A bill seeking to establish state police has passed the second reading at the House of Representatives, marking a significant step in the ongoing discussions surrounding security reform in Nigeria.

Sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House, and 14 others, the bill proposes to transfer the term “police” from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list in the 1999 constitution.

Comprising 18 clauses, the bill seeks to amend various sections of the constitution related to security matters. 

The move comes amid heightened insecurity across the country, prompting the federal government to set up a committee on February 15 to explore the creation of state police.

During the debate on the bill, lawmakers highlighted the importance of empowering states to address security challenges unique to their localities. 

Muktar Shagaya from Kwara emphasized that the legislation aims to navigate the complex security landscape by granting states the means to enhance internal security.

Supporters of the bill, including Ahmed Jaha from Borno and Babajimi Benson from Lagos, stressed the necessity of state police in enabling each state to take charge of its security. They urged their colleagues to put aside sentiments and back the bill, emphasizing that the police, not the Nigerian Army, should be responsible for internal security.

However, not all lawmakers were in favor of the bill. Sada Soli from Katsina raised concerns about the financial viability of some states to sustain state police forces. He cautioned that while the bill may be noble, it could potentially be misused as an instrument for persecuting political opposition.

Following an extended debate, Benjamin Kalu put the bill to a voice vote, and the ‘ayes’ carried the motion, signaling a significant milestone in the legislative process towards establishing state police in Nigeria.