The House of Representatives has commenced a clause-by-clause consideration of President Bola Tinubu’s executive bill seeking the establishment of state police, as lawmakers move to accelerate constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
The exercise is being led by the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who said the House would build on the Senate’s work to fast-track the passage of what he described as a critical security reform.
Speaking during the committee’s meeting, Kalu recalled that the House had earlier passed its own Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police on June 11 before proceeding on recess. However, the decision was rescinded on July 14 following the transmission of President Tinubu’s executive bill to enable lawmakers consider the President’s proposal.
He noted that, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Tinubu was well positioned to initiate comprehensive reforms capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the executive bill has already passed first and second readings in the House, while stakeholder consultations conducted during the National Assembly Open Week fulfilled the public hearing requirement for the proposed legislation.
Kalu urged members of the Constitution Review Committee to thoroughly examine the bill to ensure it reflects the expectations and aspirations of Nigerians.
He described the proposed legislation as one of President Tinubu’s major constitutional reform initiatives, noting that the President had consistently advocated for a multi-tier policing system since his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
The Deputy Speaker also stressed that although the executive, legislature and judiciary operate independently, they remain united in pursuing national priorities, particularly efforts to improve security across the country.
He explained that the committee convened outside the House’s regular legislative schedule because of the urgency attached to the proposed amendment.
Kalu further disclosed that both chambers of the National Assembly were working closely to harmonise their positions and speed up the constitutional amendment process, expressing confidence that the bill would receive presidential assent once passed.
According to him, the committee is using the Senate-approved version of the executive bill as its working document for the clause-by-clause review.
He explained that while the executive bill is substantially similar to the version earlier considered by the House, it contains additional provisions covering interpretation, transitional arrangements and saving clauses to facilitate the implementation of a state policing framework.
Kalu added that the Senate introduced about eight minor amendments, which the House Committee would review and adopt where necessary.
The ongoing review marks another significant step in the constitutional amendment process aimed at establishing a constitutionally recognised multi-tier policing system to enhance internal security across Nigeria.