Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Abbas
The Parliament Support Network (PSN) has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the 10th House for passing the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, describing the move as a landmark step towards tackling Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
The group said the approval of the bill demonstrates the commitment of the House to pursuing far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture and protecting lives and property.
The House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly passed the State Police Bill, with 288 lawmakers voting in support and only four opposing it. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for state police services operating alongside the existing federal police structure.
Reacting to the development, Executive Director of the Parliament Support Network, Dr. Moses Onoja, said the House had shown courage and patriotism by advancing a reform that many Nigerians have long demanded.
According to him, the passage of the bill reflects the determination of Speaker Abbas and lawmakers to address the country’s growing security challenges through practical and sustainable solutions.
“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,” Onoja stated.
He noted that Nigeria’s centralized policing structure has come under increasing strain amid rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other violent crimes across different parts of the country.
Onoja argued that the establishment of state police would enhance intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to security threats and enable law enforcement agencies to better understand local realities and peculiar security concerns.
He particularly praised Speaker Abbas for providing leadership throughout the constitutional amendment process and fostering consensus around critical national reforms.
“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 said.
The PSN executive director also acknowledged the extensive consultations, stakeholder engagements and public hearings conducted by the House Committee on Constitution Review before the bill’s passage.
He called on the Senate, state Houses of Assembly and other stakeholders to support the proposal to ensure its eventual incorporation into the Constitution.
Under the proposed amendment, states would be empowered to establish and operate their own police services subject to national standards and oversight mechanisms. The bill must still secure Senate concurrence and the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent.
Onoja expressed confidence that the reform would strengthen grassroots security, deepen federalism and significantly boost efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
“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 added.
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