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Reps Okay State Police Bill For Second Reading

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading, “A bill for an to alter the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of State Police and for related matters. M

This is part of the efforts by the 10th National Assembly toward devolution of powers, which has gained momentum on the floor of the House.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that in the 7th and 8th Assembly the same bill seeking to establish State Police, was thrown out by the then legislature due to party interest by lawmakers; as many had feared that political opponents would use it in their favour.

The bill which is been reintroduce in the 10th Assembly is sponsored by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and 14 other lawmakers.

The proposed private members’ bill 18 clauses, seeking to alter Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153, 197, 214, 215 and 216 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to transfer Police from the Exclusive Legislative List to Concurrent Legislative List, with a view to effectively empower States to have State-controlled policing.

Leading the debate on general principles of the bill on Tuesday at plenary, Rep. Tolani Shagaya, representing IlotinWest/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara state, decried that Nigeria, a federation of 36 States and Federal Capital Territory, with 774 LGAs, over 250 ethnic nationalities, more than 200 million citizens and a vast terrain spanning over 920,000 square kilometres, sadly still operates a single centralised police system that employs less than 400,000 police officers and men.

“There is no gainsaying that the nation’s security architecture is under immense pressure and always overwhelmed”, he lamented.

According to him, “The bill emerges as a necessary response to several calls for a decentralised and community-oriented approach to law enforcement. It seeks to navigate the complex landscape of security challenges by empowering our States with the means to address issues unique to their localities.

“This proposed alteration represents not just a legal adjustment to our grundnorm, but a visionary leap towards a safer, more secure, and harmonious Nigeria.”

Shagaya explained that the proposed bill seeks to introduce a comprehensive framework to ensure cohesion as well as accountability and uniform standards between the Federal Police and State Police.

“The provision of prescribed rigorous safeguards preventing unwarranted interference by the Federal Police in State Police Affairs, emphasising collaboration and intervention only under well-defined circumstances.

“The establishment of State Police Service Commissions as distinct from the Federal Police Service Commission with clearly defined roles and jurisdictions.

“A re-calibration of the National Police Council to include the Chairmen of the State Police Service Commissions, emphasising the collaborative and consultative nature of policing in our federal system.

“A recognition of the possible financial challenges which may be faced by States Police, by empowering the Federal Government to provide grants or aids subject to the approval of the National Assembly, thus ensuring adequate resources for effective policing, etc”, the lawmaker added.

Contributing to the debate, Rep. Ahmed Jaha, lawmaker representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency of Borno State, described the bill as timely, eve as he argued that security is the responsibility of all the Citizens.

Rep. Jaha stated that with community policing and Nigerian police working in tandem, they will rid our communities of all forms of crime.

Alss speaking in favour of the bill, Chairman House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, underscored the need to empower the Nigeria Police to license any State that expressed intent and furthermore meet the requirements set by the Police Service Commission.

Rep. Benson also noted that the Nigeria Police may renew the license or otherwise if such a State abused the licence.

He therefore expressed optimism that when put in place, State Police license would reduce unemployment and reduce the burden on recurrent expenditure from the Federal Government.

On his part, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, supported the bill, even as he lamented that Nigeria has had enough of insecurity.

Rep. Abiante said that establishing State Police is a sure way of guaranteeing security of lives and property amidst current security challenges.

The lawmaker also expressed optimism that the proposed bill when passed into law will cure the tragedy of military decree of 1966, he therefore underscored the need for deliberate efforts toward ensuring that the law is well drafted to meet the security needs of the country.

Rep. Ali Madaki, lawmaker representing Dala Federal Constituency of Kano State, who was a member of the 7th Assembly, confessed to be part of the death of State Police bill in the seventh Assembly, and revealed that the fear was to avert a situation where State Governors will use the State Police for political opponents.

Madaki admitted that the whole country was on fire, and that the bill when passed into law will enable each State to deploy the State Police in such a manner to address their peculiarities.

Rep. Marie Ebikake, lawmaker representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa state, supporting the bill, urged lawmakers not to entertain any fears when the bill is passed because the benefits are overwhelmingly outweighs the disadvantages.

She explained that so many States have security outfits, that could be strengthened and incorporated into the State Police

Also speaking, Rep. Sada Soli, representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, said that about 21 States including Benue, Taraba States are caught up in the socio-political, ethno-religious crises across the country.

He noted that some of the States clamouring for the establishment of State Police are not economically viable, but he however, acknowledged that State Police is a noble idea, though capital intensive.

Rep. Soli, cited a situation where a State Governor who denied a political opponent from landing at the airport, hence argued that such a Governor is capable of using the State Police for coercion of the opposition.

To this end, he urged the lawmakers to put all issues into perspective before enacting the law.

Rep. Ademorin Kuye, representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, argued that with 400,000 Policemen to 200 million Nigerians, Nigeria is under-policed.

He noted that deployment of a Police officer to a State that he is not familiar with will make him inefficient and ineffective in the course of discharging his duties.

Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Usman Kumo, said there was the need to address some of the grey areas and concerns raised during previous Assemblies.

Rep. Kumo who lamented over the incessant killings across the country, berated Federal Government for failing to provide funding for the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigerian Police.

He stressed that the current 400,000 Police workforce is inadequate, and argued that the long stay of military has put Nigerian Police which has the sole responsibility of providing internal security across the country in the background.

He said that there is nothing that stops the Federal Government from declaring state of emergency in the Nigerians police with a view to recruit adequate number of youths into the security agencies.

Also speaking, Rep. Benedict Itanabene, representing Okpe/Saoele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta state called for the establishment of a distinct police structure for over 20 years.

He further noted that mere use of State Police sends wrong signal that Governors will be in control of the State Police.

He therefore urged the House to delete the word ‘State’ from the bill, and called for decentralization of the Federal Police by using Police Command.

In his intervention, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary urged the lawmakers to put the nation above personal or sentimental gains.

The House unanimously passed the bill and the presiding officer refered the bill to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution amendment for further legislative action.

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NAF approves 12 months salary payment for families of fallen personnel

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5 hours ago

March 16, 2026

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will sustain salary payments for up to 12 months to families of personnel who die in the line of duty.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, approved the welfare initiative as part of measures to strengthen support for families of fallen personnel.

A credible NAF source who pleaded anonymity disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the policy, which provided a special extension of salary payments to the spouses or next of kin of NAF personnel killed in action, would help cushion the impact of their loss.

He explained that, in line with existing public service rules, salary payments normally cease upon the death of a personnel member.

According to him, the new initiative will see salaries of personnel killed in the line of duty continue for up to 12 months from the date of death, or until all death benefits are fully processed and paid, whichever comes first.

The official said the initiative was designed to prevent financial hardship for bereaved families during the period of administrative processing of death benefits.

He added that the CAS had also approved additional welfare packages for officers, airmen and airwomen of the service.

“These measures are aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic pressures and reinforcing the NAF’s commitment to the wellbeing of its personnel.

“These initiatives are also part of a broader welfare reform agenda anchored on the understanding that the wellbeing of personnel and their families is a strategic enabler of combat effectiveness.

“Enhanced welfare drives effective warfare, ensuring that no airman is left unequipped, untrained or unmotivated,” he said.

The source further said that the initiatives reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes, support the families they left behind and sustain a motivated and mission-ready force.

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Tinubu directs nationwide distribution of rice for Ramadan, Lent

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5 hours ago

March 16, 2026

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PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to distribute rice across all states of the federation in support of citizens observing the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons.

The initiative is intended to strengthen national unity and demonstrate compassion during a period that holds deep spiritual significance for both Muslims and Christians.

A statement issued by the Director-General, Renewed Hope Ambassadors and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma explained that “under the directive, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will coordinate the distribution through their nationwide grassroots network to ensure that families across Nigeria benefit from the intervention during this holy season when both Muslims and Christians are fasting.”

According to the statement: “It is worth noting that a similar intervention was carried out during the last Christmas season, when rice was also distributed to support Nigerians celebrating the festive period.

“This continued effort reflects the administration’s consistent commitment to standing with citizens during important religious and cultural seasons.

“Both Christian and Muslim communities will receive rice as part of the nationwide distribution effort, reflecting the President’s commitment to inclusivity, solidarity, and shared national values.”

Commenting on the initiative, Governor Uzodimma said the programme underscored the President’s belief in supporting citizens during this period of fasting while strengthening interfaith harmony.

He said: “This initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to unity and compassion. Ramadan and Lent are seasons that remind us of sacrifice, charity, and care for one another. Through this distribution, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will ensure that families across Nigeria feel the spirit of togetherness during this sacred period.”

The statement concluded by saying that the distribution will be carried out across nationwide through the state, local government, and ward structures of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to ensure broad reach and transparency.

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Police arrest two Customs officers for allegedly killing driver in Osun

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5 hours ago

March 16, 2026

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The Police Command in Osun says it has arrested two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) in connection with a shooting incident that left a driver dead in Osogbo.

This was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Sunday.

Ojelabi explained that the two officers of the NCS were arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at Dada Estate Area, Osogbo, on Sunday.

“‎The suspects were reportedly chasing suspected tokunbo (foreign-used) vehicles when the incident occurred.

“Meanwhile, the driver of the said ash-coloured Toyota Corolla, one of the vehicles being chased by the Customs officers, was shot and confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital,” he said.

The command’s spokesperson said that the corpse of the yet-to-be-identified victim had been deposited in a morgue.

Ojelabi said several items were recovered from the scene, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024, 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one expanded 9mm shell.

Other items recovered were a white Toyota Corolla with Lagos registration number AAA 400 GQ, and an ash Toyota Corolla with registration number GFQ 0982.

He said that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

‎He assured members of the public that anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that can aid the investigation.