The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the proposed State Police framework is not about weakening the Federal Government or fragmenting Nigeria’s security architecture.
Kalu, who spoke at the National Town Hall on “Building a National Consensus on State Police and National Security”, organised by Arise News in Abuja, said that the proposed state police framework is rather about building a smarter, more responsive policing system anchored on constitutional safeguards.
He reiterated the urgent need for a constitutional framework that strengthens Nigeria’s security architecture through the establishment of state police.
Kalu said that the conversation, which was held alongside other distinguished leaders and stakeholders, comes at a critical time as the National Assembly continues its work on the Constitution Amendment Bills, of which the State Police Bill is a key component.
He said that the conversation provided another opportunity to engage Nigerians, clarify misconceptions, and address the genuine concerns that have been raised on the matter.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the bill clearly delineates the responsibilities of the federal and state governments through the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists.
He said that the bill ensures strong national coordination while empowering states to respond more effectively to local security challenges.
Kalu stressed that state police is about complementarity, not competition. He added that it is about creating a security structure where local intelligence, community policing, and national security work together to better protect Nigerians.
He also noted that the bill is currently before the Conference Committee of the National Assembly, comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, where outstanding areas of difference are being harmonised before the final version is presented for consideration.
“I therefore urge Nigerians to remain confident in the ongoing process and continue to make their voices heard. The State Police Bill is being developed with the necessary constitutional guardrails to protect our democracy, preserve national unity, and enhance the security of lives and property across the federation,” Kalu said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to true federalism and for supporting reforms aimed at building a safer, stronger, and more secure Nigeria.
