The Benue State House of Assembly has approved a bill seeking to amend Nigeria’s Constitution to allow the creation of state police, joining growing calls for decentralised policing to tackle security challenges nationwide.
The bill was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Alfred Emberga, following deliberations led by House Majority Leader Peter Ipusu.
He argued that state police would strengthen grassroots intelligence, improve emergency response, and enhance law enforcement capacity.
Ipusu noted that decentralised policing could help address rural banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and urban crime, while also creating jobs and promoting accountability.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a constitutional framework for state police services alongside the Federal Police, with clear provisions for responsibilities, funding, and operations.
Speaker Emberga directed the Clerk of the House to forward the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, amendments require approval by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least two-thirds of state assemblies before presidential assent.
In a related development, the Assembly also passed the Free Eye Screening and Cataract Surgery Bill, sponsored by Simon Gabo of Mata Constituency, for first reading.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Business was tasked with preparing the legislation for further consideration.
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