The Senate has announced plans to consider and pass a constitutional amendment establishing state police this week, citing growing concerns over terrorism, banditry and other security challenges across the country.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the proposal would be transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly after passage by the National Assembly.

State Police Tops Senate Agenda

Bamidele said lawmakers had reached a consensus that the establishment of state police could no longer be delayed due to the current security situation across the federation.

According to him, the National Assembly would separate the state police proposal from other constitutional amendment bills to fast-track its passage.

“Our position is very clear on state police. We are standing with Nigerians on the issue of state police,” he said.

“All strata of the federation have made it clear that there cannot be a better time to establish a state police than now.”

Constitutional Amendment Underway

The Senate leader explained that the amendment would seek to alter Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which currently provides for only one police force in the country.

He expressed confidence that the proposal would receive the necessary support from state legislatures once transmitted.

“The bill can as well be on its way to the 36 State Houses of Assembly as soon as possible because we will need two-thirds of the assemblies to approve it before presidential assent,” he stated.

Tinubu, Governors Back Proposal

Bamidele revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and key security stakeholders are aligned with the National Assembly on the need for state police.

He said several consultations had taken place involving the National Assembly, the Attorney-General, the Chief of Staff to the President, security agencies and constitutional review committees.

According to him, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review led by Barau Jibrin and the House Committee chaired by Benjamin Kalu have held extensive discussions with relevant stakeholders.

Push for Improved Security

The renewed effort comes amid increasing calls for decentralised policing as communities across the country continue to grapple with kidnappings, banditry and terrorist attacks.

Earlier, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that consultations on the constitutional framework for state police were nearing completion and that a report would be submitted to President Tinubu.