The National Assembly has proposed that funding for the planned state police system should come directly from the Federation Account to guarantee its financial independence and protect it from political interference.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed that the proposed funding structure would place state police on a first-line charge, similar to the financial arrangement for the judiciary, ensuring the security outfit has direct access to its allocated funds.
Bamidele explained that the proposal is intended to prevent governors from influencing state police operations by withholding funding, stressing that a financially independent police service would be better positioned to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
He acknowledged that many Nigerians have expressed concerns over the establishment of state police, noting that such fears stem from experiences during the First Republic. However, he assured that the proposed constitutional amendment includes safeguards to promote accountability, discipline, institutional independence and financial autonomy.
According to him, the National Assembly is working to ensure that a specific percentage of each state’s allocation is dedicated to funding its police service, with clear constitutional provisions governing access to the funds.
He added that adequate funding is essential for state police to effectively tackle security challenges and deliver on their mandate.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, assured Nigerians that the proposed State Police Bill contains sufficient safeguards to prevent governors or political interests from taking control of state police commands.
He explained that under the proposed framework, state Commissioners of Police would be appointed based on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the State House of Assembly. Their removal would require a two-thirds majority of lawmakers and must be based on valid constitutional grounds.
Abbas also noted that the bill empowers the Federal Police to intervene if a state police service becomes compromised or fails to operate within the law. Such intervention, he said, would only occur under clearly defined conditions, be temporary in nature and remain subject to judicial oversight.
The Speaker praised President Bola Tinubu for transmitting the Executive Bill on state police to the National Assembly, describing it as a significant step toward reforming Nigeria’s security architecture after decades of debate.
He maintained that Nigeria’s current policing structure is no longer sufficient to address the country’s evolving security challenges and called for a more effective and decentralised policing system.
Abbas also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the nation.
At the National Security Roundtable, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere advocated greater involvement of traditional rulers and community organisations in intelligence gathering to strengthen grassroots security.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (Rtd), called for comprehensive reforms focused on intelligence, institutional collaboration and technology, while Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani emphasised intelligence-led policing, improved inter-agency cooperation and modern technology as key to tackling insecurity.
Also lending his support, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Brigadier General Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd), described the establishment of state police as an important step toward improving community policing and enhancing Nigeria’s overall security framework.
