Senate: No Recess Delay for State Police Bill Harmonisation

• The Senate has assured Nigerians that work on the harmonisation of the State Police Bill will continue despite the National Assembly's recess.
• Legislative committees remain fully operational and are determined to fast-track the constitutional amendment.
• The State Police Bill has passed both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting ratification by State Houses of Assembly.
• The passage of the State Police Bill could have significant implications for state policing and law enforcement in Nigeria.

According to Adaramodu, legislative committees remain fully operational and are determined to fast-track the constitutional amendment.

The Senate has made a commitment to Nigerians regarding the State Police Bill, assuring that work on its harmonisation will continue uninterrupted despite the National Assembly's annual recess. This assurance was given by Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, in an exclusive statement. According to Adaramodu, legislative committees remain fully operational and are determined to fast-track the constitutional amendment. The Senate's commitment is a significant development for the State Police Bill, which has been a subject of discussion and debate in recent times.

The National Assembly's recess typically marks a period of reduced legislative activity, but the Senate's assurance suggests that this year will be different. The harmonisation of the State Police Bill is a critical step towards its passage, and the Senate's commitment to fast-tracking the constitutional amendment indicates a strong desire to see the bill become law. The State Police Bill has already scaled all legislative hurdles in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is now being prepared for transmission to the State Houses of Assembly for ratification. A separate Executive Bill, which will provide the operational framework for state policing, is also being developed by a Presidential Working Group and is scheduled for presentation to the President on September 3, 2026. The State Police Bill has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with some arguing that it could lead to the creation of state police forces that are accountable only to their respective governments. However, proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary for effective policing and law enforcement in the country.

The passage of the State Police Bill has significant implications for state policing and law enforcement in Nigeria. If passed by the state assemblies and assented to, the bill could lead to the creation of state police forces that are accountable only to their respective governments, which could undermine national security and public safety. However, if implemented correctly, the bill could also lead to more effective policing and a reduction in crime rates. Lawyers should closely monitor the bill's ratification process by the State Houses of Assembly and the development of the Executive Bill, as its passage could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria's law enforcement landscape.

Lawyers should monitor the Senate's progress on the State Police Bill, as its passage could have significant implications for state policing and law enforcement in Nigeria.

Source: Original reporting via Punchng.com