Nigerian state assemblies receive bill to establish state police

State legislatures in Nigeria, including the Ekiti and Jigawa State Houses of Assembly, have confirmed receipt of a constitutional amendment bill transmitted by the National Assembly. The bill, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services and for Related Matters’, seeks to create a framework for State Police Services while maintaining the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service.

In Ekiti State, Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye stated that the assembly is prepared to begin the necessary legislative processes. The bill will first undergo administrative procedures before being listed for legislative consideration.

In Jigawa State, Speaker Haruna Dangyatim pledged that the assembly would complete its work within the 30-day deadline provided by the National Assembly. The Jigawa assembly has established a committee to examine the amendments and intends to engage stakeholders, including traditional rulers and civil society, to ensure the process reflects the interests of the state's citizens.