The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a report on the establishment of state police and adopted 18 constitutional amendment clauses during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The decision marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over state policing, which stakeholders have long championed as a solution to rising insecurity across the country.
Proponents argue that decentralising policing will improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats and allow states to take a more active role in protecting lives and property.
The move comes amid growing calls to address banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.In a separate action, the House approved 18 clauses as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
The reforms are designed to strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance.The proposals will still require Senate concurrence and approval by the required number of state Houses of Assembly before becoming law.
