The House of Representatives has assured Nigerians that the proposed establishment of state police will not create private security outfits controlled by state governors.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, gave the assurance on Wednesday during the National Security Roundtable held as part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja. He said the proposed reform is aimed at improving community policing while maintaining adequate federal oversight.
Abbas stated that the House would thoroughly examine the State Police Bill to ensure it strengthens security without threatening democratic principles or the rule of law.
He described the legislation as one of the most significant constitutional amendments currently before the National Assembly, noting that it represents a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to reform its policing system.
According to the Speaker, the proposal is historic because it is the first time a sitting President has formally submitted an executive bill seeking the creation of state police.
He stressed that safeguards would be built into the legislation to prevent abuse by state governments.
“State Police will not be private armies for the various state governors.
“For the first time in our history, a sitting president has made state police a central part of national reform.
“He has done so not with words alone, but with a bill that now sits before the House of Representatives,” Abbas said.
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