PSN Lauds Abbas, Reps Over Passage Of State Police Bill

The Parliament Support Network (PSN) has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the 10th House over the passage of the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, describing the move as a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.

The group said the development reflects growing urgency to reform the country’s policing structure amid rising insecurity across Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence.

The House of Representatives had on Thursday overwhelmingly approved the State Police Bill, with 288 lawmakers voting in support and only four opposing. The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state-controlled police forces operating alongside the existing federal police.

It forms part of a broader package of constitutional amendments currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja, Executive Director of the Parliament Support Network, Dr. Moses Onoja, said the passage of the bill demonstrated leadership and responsiveness to long-standing public demands for decentralised policing.

He described the development as a “bold and necessary reform” aimed at strengthening security governance and improving public safety across the federation.

Onoja said, “The passage of the State Police Bill is a landmark achievement that underscores the responsiveness of the 10th House of Representatives to the yearnings of Nigerians. It is a bold and visionary step towards strengthening security governance and improving public safety across the federation.”

He praised Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for what he called “exemplary leadership” in guiding the constitutional amendment process and ensuring broad legislative consensus on a sensitive national issue.

“The Speaker has shown exemplary leadership in driving reforms that have direct relevance to the security and welfare of Nigerians. The House deserves commendation for placing national interest above partisan considerations in the consideration of this important bill,” he added.

The PSN executive director also commended the House Committee on Constitution Review for conducting extensive consultations and public hearings, saying the inclusive process strengthened the legitimacy of the proposed reform.

Under the proposed amendment, states would be empowered to establish and operate their own police services, subject to national standards and coordination frameworks to ensure accountability and synergy with federal security agencies.

However, the bill still requires concurrence from the Senate and approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to the President for assent.

Onoja expressed optimism that, if eventually adopted, the reform would deepen Nigeria’s federal structure and improve grassroots security response capacity.

He noted that while state police would not provide an immediate solution to all security challenges, it represents a “critical structural reform” that could significantly enhance the country’s ability to prevent and respond to crime.

“The establishment of state police will not solve every security problem overnight, but it represents a major structural reform that can significantly improve the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to crime. This is a legacy initiative that deserves the support of all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.