The House of Representatives has begun a clause-by-clause review of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s executive bill proposing the creation of state police, signaling plans to adopt the Senate’s version with only minor changes.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee, said lawmakers would rely on the Senate’s earlier work to speed up passage of the bill, which he described as a key reform to strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
The House had previously passed its own state police amendment bill on June 11 but reversed that decision on July 14 after receiving the President’s proposal. The executive bill has since passed second reading and undergone stakeholder consultations during the National Assembly Open Week.
Kalu noted that the bill reflects long-standing advocacy by President Tinubu for a multi-layered policing system, dating back to his tenure as Lagos State governor. He added that lawmakers are working closely with the Senate to harmonize the legislation and ensure swift approval.
According to him, the Senate version, already adopted with about eight minor amendments, will serve as the working document. The proposed changes include new provisions on interpretation, transitional arrangements, and implementation of the state policing framework.
Lawmakers convened outside their usual schedule due to the urgency of the bill, which is seen as a major step in ongoing constitutional amendments aimed at improving internal security nationwide.
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