Nigeria Nears State Police Constitutional Amendment

The Presidency of Nigeria>>> has announced significant progress towards establishing state police, with a constitutional amendment expected soon. This follows months of consultations led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila>>>, under the directive of President Bola Tinubu>>>. The discussions have moved beyond the necessity of state police to focus on developing a workable legal and institutional framework. Key stakeholders, including the Nigeria — National Assembly (Nigeria)>>> and security agencies like the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force>>>, are involved in this reform. The initiative aims to strengthen internal security, improve local intelligence gathering, and enhance the capacity of sub-national governments to address security challenges like banditry and kidnapping. The reform requires amendments to the Constitution and subsequent enabling legislation to define powers, responsibilities, oversight, and funding. Attendees at the consultative meetings included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin>>>, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Karney>>>, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi>>>, and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu>>> (also mentioned as Kayode Egbetokun>>>).