Former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and retired Catholic Archbishop John Onaiyekan are currently engaging in discussions on the topic of state policing.

This dialogue, orchestrated by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marks the commencement of deliberations on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill 2023 (Establishment of State Police).

This bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and 13 others, aims to decentralize law enforcement in Nigeria to enhance public safety.

The proposed bill advocates for the introduction of state police alongside the federal police, outlining a constitutional framework for states interested in establishing and managing their own police force.

Kalu, who chairs the House Constitution Review Committee, clarified that the bill seeks to define the powers and responsibilities of both federal and state police, while also addressing funding and oversight mechanisms.

Stay tuned for more updates on this development.