A high-profile dialogue has commenced in Abuja, bringing together prominent individuals to discuss the establishment of state policing in Nigeria.
Attendees include former Nigerian military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and retired Catholic Archbishop John Onaiyekan.
The event, organized by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marks the beginning of deliberations on a proposed constitutional amendment bill (2023) that would introduce state policing.
Spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 13 co-sponsors, the bill seeks to enhance public safety and strengthen law enforcement by decentralizing the police force. It proposes the creation of state police alongside the federal police, with states given the option to establish and operate their own law enforcement agencies.
In his opening remarks, Kalu emphasized the need to define the roles and responsibilities of both federal and state police, as well as to ensure proper funding and oversight.
The dialogue aims to gather perspectives from various stakeholders and contribute to the ongoing constitutional review process.
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