Nelson Utip
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has approved the proposed constitutional amendment for the establishment of state police services in Nigeria.
This follows the consideration of the report of the House Committee on Inter-Governmental, Political and Special Matters during plenary on Wednesday.
The Committee Chairman and Member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, Hon. Emem Udom while presenting the report said the committee recommended the approval of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment and operation of state police services.
The Committee also recommended that the bill be approved as transmitted, without amendment, following its examination of the provisions and implications for the administration, funding, oversight and operations of state police.
Hon Udom further explained that the proposed amendment would empower states to establish their own police services while retaining the Federal Police Service and its responsibilities for policing matters within the federal jurisdiction.
The Lawmaker added that the proposed arrangement would encourage cooperation between federal and state police authorities through information sharing and mutual assistance, while maintaining their respective constitutional responsibilities.
The Committee posits that the establishment of state police services is expected to improve security response, strengthen crime prevention and enhance community engagement in addressing security challenges.
The report also noted that decentralizing policing would bring security services closer to the people, facilitate quicker responses to emerging threats and strengthen intelligence gathering through the use of local knowledge.
The report further identified employment generation for the youths as one of the anticipated benefits of the establishment of state Police.
