A proposed bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to grant governors the authority to appoint state commissioners of police has progressed to the next stage of deliberation on Tuesday in the House of Representatives.
The bill, titled “A Proposal to Amend the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria to Allow for the Formation of State Police and Associated Issues,” was presented by Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House, alongside 14 other sponsors.
This legislative move aims to decentralize the Nigeria Police Force by empowering governors to select a commissioner of police from the current state police force, leading the envisioned state police.
The proposed amendment seeks to place policing under both federal and state jurisdiction by including it in the concurrent list, a departure from its current exclusive federal control as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution. This shift is viewed as a crucial step towards addressing the escalating security challenges confronting the nation.
During deliberations, Tolani Shagaya, a co-sponsor and member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the government to safeguard the well-being of its citizens, as outlined in section 14(2)(b) of Nigeria’s constitution.
Key features of the proposed bill include transferring policing from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, granting states control over policing; introducing a comprehensive framework to ensure coherence, accountability, and uniform standards between federal and state police; and establishing strict safeguards to prevent undue interference by federal police in state police affairs, emphasizing collaboration and intervention under defined circumstances.
