The House of Representatives has pledged that the proposed state police structure will include safeguards to prevent governors from using security agencies for political purposes. Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said lawmakers are committed to ensuring that any new policing framework strengthens public safety while protecting democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Addressing participants at the National Security Roundtable during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, Abbas described the proposed State Police Bill as one of the most significant constitutional reforms currently before the National Assembly. He said the House recognises the far-reaching implications of the legislation and intends to examine every aspect of the proposal before it is passed.
The Speaker assured Nigerians that lawmakers would subject the bill to detailed legislative scrutiny to ensure adequate checks and balances are built into the system. According to him, the objective is to establish a policing model that responds more effectively to local security challenges without creating opportunities for abuse or political interference.
Abbas stressed that the proposed reform is aimed at improving community policing by bringing security operations closer to the people while maintaining appropriate national oversight. He maintained that the legislation is being designed to enhance public confidence in law enforcement rather than weaken existing democratic safeguards.
He also noted that the current proposal marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s constitutional history, saying it is the first time a sitting President has formally submitted an executive bill to establish state police. According to the Speaker, the move demonstrates a shift from policy discussions to concrete legislative action on long-debated policing reforms.
Responding to concerns that state police could become instruments of political control, Abbas insisted that the House would not support any legal framework capable of turning security agencies into private forces under the control of state governors. He said protecting citizens’ rights and preserving the independence of law enforcement remain central to the legislative process.
The Speaker further explained that the ongoing review reflects the National Assembly’s broader responsibility to balance the country’s growing security needs with constitutional guarantees. He said lawmakers would ensure the final legislation promotes accountability, professionalism and effective policing while remaining consistent with democratic principles.
As deliberations continue, the House says public confidence will remain a key consideration in shaping the final version of the State Police Bill. Lawmakers believe that with appropriate legal safeguards, the proposed reform can strengthen security across the country while ensuring that policing powers are exercised in the interest of all Nigerians rather than individual political officeholders.
