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The Ondo State House of Assembly has endorsed a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution seeking to establish state police in Nigeria, describing decentralised policing as a necessary step towards tackling insecurity, protecting farmers and strengthening community-based crime prevention.
The lawmakers gave their approval during plenary on Monday after considering a bill seeking to alter the Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services.
The proposed amendment was transmitted to the assembly by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, in a letter read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, on the floor of the House on September 24.
The bill scaled the second and third readings during plenary presided over by Oladiji, with lawmakers supporting the proposed constitutional amendment by more than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
Following a clause-by-clause examination by the Committee of the Whole House, the committee recommended that the assembly concurred with the proposed amendment, subject to an amendment to Section 317A(5) of the bill.
Speaking on the development, Oladiji said the establishment of state police had remained a major issue in Nigeria’s national discourse for more than two decades.
He stressed that the assembly had an opportunity to contribute to efforts to address the country’s persistent security challenges.
He said the proposed reform was necessary to strengthen security and governance, adding that practical measures were urgently needed to protect lives and property.
“Following the extensive deliberations and thorough scrutiny of this bill by this Honourable House, it is clear that this is the least we can do to strengthen security and governance in our dear state,” the Speaker said.
Oladiji said the lawmakers had carefully considered and agreed to the provisions of the bill as presented, expressing optimism that the proposed policing structure would improve security across the country.
They also noted that state police could complement the Federal Police Service by addressing security concerns within individual states, allowing federal law enforcement agencies to concentrate more effectively on interstate crimes and other complex security operations.
The proposed reform is expected to encourage a more coordinated approach to policing by distributing responsibilities between federal and state authorities.
Of particular concern to the lawmakers was the vulnerability of farmers and rural communities to kidnapping, attacks and other criminal activities.
They maintained that the establishment of state police could strengthen security in farming communities, protect agricultural workers and reduce the risks confronting farmers who travel to their farmlands.
According to the lawmakers, improved security in rural areas could encourage greater participation in agricultural activities, safeguard livelihoods and contribute to efforts to boost food production.
They also highlighted the need to improve security along highways, noting that a more responsive policing system could help protect motorists, commuters and other road users against criminal attacks.
The Assembly’s position reflects growing concerns over the impact of insecurity on agriculture, rural development, transportation and economic activities across the country.
Following the approval, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the Assembly to transmit the bill to the National Assembly, together with the observations and recommendations of the Ondo legislature, in accordance with the constitutional amendment process.
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