NewsNigeriaPoliticsThirty-six House of Assembly Speakers Voice Support for State Police 

In a move that could significantly impact national security, the speakers of all 36 Nigerian state Houses of Assembly have thrown their weight behind the creation of state police forces.

The announcement came on Thursday after a meeting of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Abuja.

A communique issued at the meeting’s conclusion, signed by Chairman Adebo Ogundoyin, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, expressed strong support for state policing as a means to combat the nation’s growing insecurity challenges.

The Speakers believe state police would allow for a more localised approach to security, enabling forces to better understand and address the specific threats faced by their communities.

The communique urged the National Assembly and the Presidency to leverage the ongoing constitutional review process to pave the way for the creation of state police.

The debate on how to best address national insecurity has been ongoing in Nigeria in recent weeks. Proponents of state police see it as a path towards more responsive and accountable policing. Opponents express concerns about the potential abuse of power and the possible politicisation of state police forces.

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun recently registered strong opposition to the proposal for the establishment of state-controlled police forces.

“It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force that Nigeria is yet to mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police,” said Egbetokun.

The National Assembly is currently considering amendments to the 1999 constitution, with the issue of state police being one of the key points of discussion. The support of the State Houses of Assembly adds significant momentum to the push for state police, though the final decision rests with the National Assembly and the federal government.