State Police has moved closer in Nigeria as the National Assembly on Thursday advanced constitutional amendments aimed at decentralising policing across the federation.
The House of Representatives passed the bill after 289 of 290 members present voted in favour, with one vote against, while the Senate also gave support at second reading and referred the proposal for further scrutiny.
The legislation seeks to transfer policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List and amend Sections 197, 214 and 215 of the 1999 Constitution to allow federal and state police formations.
It also provides for State Police Service Commissions, oversight mechanisms, and safeguards against abuse by state governments.
Lawmakers said the reform is designed to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to insecurity, and enhance community-based policing amid rising national security challenges including banditry, terrorism and violent crime.
Proposal is part of constitutional review efforts in National Assembly.
