The House of Representatives has commenced clause-by-clause consideration of President Bola Tinubu's executive bill seeking the establishment of state police, with lawmakers indicating they may adopt the Senate-approved version with only minor amendments. Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this during a meeting of the committee, emphasizing the urgency of the constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening Nigeria's security architecture.
Legislative Background and Fast-Tracking
Kalu recalled that the House had earlier passed its own Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police on June 11 before proceeding on recess. However, the decision was rescinded on July 14 following the transmission of President Tinubu's executive bill to allow lawmakers consider the President's proposal. He noted that the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is best positioned to initiate comprehensive security reforms capable of addressing the country's evolving security challenges.
According to Kalu, the executive bill has already passed first and second readings in the House, while stakeholder engagements held during the National Assembly Open Week satisfied the public hearing requirement for the legislation. He urged members of the Constitution Review Committee to carefully examine the bill to ensure it reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
President's Signature Reform Initiative
Kalu described the proposed state police legislation as one of President Tinubu's signature constitutional reform initiatives, noting that Tinubu had consistently advocated a multi-layered policing system since serving as governor of Lagos State. He said the President's current push for state police demonstrates consistency between his long-held convictions and his actions in office.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that although the executive, legislature and judiciary operate independently, they remain united in pursuing national priorities, particularly improving security across the country. He explained that lawmakers convened outside the House's regular Tuesday sitting schedule because of the urgency attached to the bill.
Harmonization with Senate
Kalu also disclosed that both chambers of the National Assembly are working together to harmonise their efforts and accelerate the constitutional amendment process, expressing confidence that the bill would receive presidential assent once passed. He said the committee would use the Senate-approved version of the executive bill as its working document during the clause-by-clause consideration.
According to him, the executive bill is largely similar to the version previously considered by the House, with only a few additions, including provisions on interpretation, transitional arrangements and saving clauses to support the implementation of the proposed state police framework. Kalu added that the Senate introduced about eight minor amendments, which the House Committee would examine and adopt where necessary.
Next Steps
The ongoing consideration of the Executive State Police Bill marks another stage in the constitutional amendment process aimed at establishing a constitutionally backed multi-tier policing system to strengthen internal security across the country. The House Committee on Constitution Review is expected to complete its clause-by-clause review in the coming days before presenting its report to the full House for final approval.
