Taraba Assembly approves state police bill

The Taraba State House of Assembly has approved the constitution amendment bill seeking to establish state police in Nigeria.

The lawmakers unanimously approved the bill on Tuesday after it was presented to the Speaker, John Bonzena, and laid before the House by the Majority Leader, Jethro Zikengyu, for consideration.

The bill originated from the National Assembly as part of ongoing legislative efforts to amend the legal framework governing policing and allow states to establish their own police forces.

Following its consideration, the lawmakers adopted the proposed legislation, with the Clerk of the House, Salmuna Sani, expected to communicate the Assembly’s decision to the National Assembly for further legislative action.

Mr Bonzena said the proposed state police system would help tackle criminal activities, create employment opportunities and improve collaboration among security agencies operating in the state.

He said the initiative would also strengthen the capacity of security institutions to respond to emerging security threats and improve the protection of lives and property.

Proponents of state police have argued that decentralising policing would enable authorities to respond more effectively to security threats at the community level.

However, the proposed reform requires the completion of the relevant constitutional and legislative processes before state police can be established and become operational.

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The Taraba Assembly’s approval follows the passage of the proposal by the Senate on 24 June and the House of Representatives on 23 July.

The proposed reform is part of broader efforts to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture by allowing states to establish police forces alongside the existing federal police system.

If the constitutional amendment process is completed, the reform would provide a legal framework for state-level policing, subject to the provisions governing its establishment, funding, oversight and operations.

The National Assembly is expected to consider the positions communicated by state legislatures as part of the constitution amendment process.