State Police Will Strengthen Nigeria’s Security, Not Weaken Federal Government — Benjamin Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has assured Nigerians that the proposed State Police framework is designed to strengthen the country’s security architecture rather than weaken the authority of the Federal Government or undermine national unity.

Kalu gave the assurance while speaking at the National Town Hall on “Building a National Consensus on State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News in Abuja.

He explained that the proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish a smarter, more responsive policing system equipped with constitutional safeguards that will enable states to effectively tackle their unique security challenges while maintaining strong national coordination.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the ongoing constitutional amendment process presents a crucial opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s security framework, with the State Police Bill remaining one of the key proposals before the National Assembly.

He noted that the town hall meeting provided a platform for meaningful engagement with Nigerians, allowing lawmakers and stakeholders to clarify misconceptions surrounding state policing and address legitimate concerns raised by members of the public.

Kalu stated that the proposed legislation clearly defines the respective responsibilities of the Federal and State Governments through the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists, ensuring that the establishment of state police complements the existing national security structure rather than creating institutional rivalry.

He emphasized that the initiative is founded on the principles of collaboration and efficiency.

“State Police is about complementarity, not competition. It is about creating a security structure where local intelligence, community policing, and national security work together to better protect Nigerians,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker further disclosed that the State Police Bill is currently before the Conference Committee of the National Assembly, made up of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. He explained that the committee is harmonising areas of disagreement before presenting the final version of the bill for legislative consideration.

He called on Nigerians to remain confident in the legislative process and continue to contribute to the national conversation.

“I therefore urge Nigerians to remain confident in the ongoing process and continue to make their voices heard. The State Police Bill is being developed with the necessary constitutional guardrails to protect our democracy, preserve national unity, and enhance the security of lives and property across the federation,” Kalu said.

Kalu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to advancing true federalism and supporting constitutional reforms aimed at building a safer, stronger, and more secure Nigeria.