Senate Targets Fast Track of State Police Bill

The Senate has announced that the constitutional amendment seeking the creation of a state police will be its top legislative assignment when lawmakers return from recess on Tuesday.

The spokesman of the Senate, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, said the upper chamber is determined to ensure the proposed law progresses quickly and becomes a reality before the end of the 10th National Assembly.

He disclosed that the constitutional amendment bill has already been forwarded to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for their consideration and approval, expressing confidence that the process would be completed within the current legislative term.

According to Adaramodu, the Senate is closely following developments in the various state assemblies after transmitting the bill. He said meetings had already been held with the Speakers of the state legislatures, who assured the National Assembly that the proposal would receive speedy attention.

He stated that the Senate remains committed to ensuring that the long-awaited reform is successfully passed into law in response to growing calls from Nigerians for a decentralised policing system.

Adaramodu explained that legislative activities had appeared less active in recent weeks because many lawmakers had been involved in political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He noted that members of the National Assembly belong to different political parties and have also been participating in activities such as party primaries and preparations for the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Despite the political activities, he said lawmakers are returning to focus on important national matters, with the establishment of state police taking priority because of its importance to the country’s security.

Adaramodu said the Presidency also supports the creation of state police as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

According to him, security issues are better handled by people who understand the local environment, making it necessary for state and local governments to play a greater role in policing their communities. He added that residents who know their communities are in a stronger position to identify criminal activities and help improve security.

The Senate spokesman also commented on the recent flooding experienced in Lagos and other parts of the country, describing it as part of the wider effects of climate change affecting many countries.

He said state governments are generally capable of responding to flooding unless they require additional support from the Federal Government. He added that ecological issues are already provided for in the federal budget and that assistance is available whenever necessary.

Adaramodu noted that flooding is not unique to Nigeria, pointing out that several African countries, including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, have also experienced similar environmental challenges.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its response to the recent flooding, stating that the Senate recognised the efforts being made to safeguard lives and property.

He also advised residents to obey government directives regarding flood-prone communities and unsafe structures, warning that ignoring such warnings could result in avoidable loss of lives.

Adaramodu said protecting lives should always come before protecting livelihoods, noting that people can only continue their businesses if they remain safe.

Reacting to concerns over the use of ecological funds by state governments, he said there was no evidence to suggest that governors were diverting money allocated for environmental challenges.

He maintained that, without proof of wrongdoing, it would be unfair to conclude that state governments were failing to use ecological funds for their intended purposes.

He added that states facing greater environmental risks, particularly Lagos, deserve recognition for the steps they have taken to reduce the impact of flooding and other climate-related challenges.