The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that state assemblies will pass the State Police Bill.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Dennis Guwor, said that the Conference welcomed the passage of the bill by the Senate as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The speakers assured Nigerians that State Assemblies would give the state police bill diligent consideration in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, the development marks a significant milestone in the national conversation on policing, security, and true federalism in Nigeria.
“As Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, we had earlier indicated our support for the proposed legislation because we believe that community-based policing, properly structured under law, will enhance safety and response time across our states.
“Security is local, and our people deserve policing architecture that understands their terrain and challenges.
“With the Bill now proceeding to the next legislative stage, the Conference assures Nigerians that State Assemblies will give it diligent consideration in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.
“We will engage stakeholders, conduct public hearings where necessary, and deliberate dispassionately in the interest of national unity and the security of lives and property.
The Conference of Speakers commended the Senate for this bold step and urged all stakeholders to sustain the conversation with facts, patriotism, and a shared commitment to a safer Nigeria.
“We remain committed to working with the National Assembly, the Executive, and all arms of government to deliver a constitutional amendment that strengthens democracy and governance at all levels”, Guwor assured.
For the bill to become law, it must be passed in identical terms by both chambers of the National Assembly.
After that, it must be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly and approved by at least two-thirds (24) of them.
Once ratified by the states, the bill is sent to the President for assent to officially become part of the Nigerian Constitution.
Even after the constitutional amendment is signed, individual states must pass their own enabling state police laws to address recruitment, funding, and operational structures.