Ondo Assembly approves creation of Nigerian state police
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
Ondo State House of Assembly in south-western Nigeria approved by a two-thirds majority a constitutional amendment paving the way for the creation of a state police force. The step is part of the national debate on decentralised policing and aims notably to strengthen local security, according to Assembly Speaker Olamide Oladiji.
Ondo State House of Assembly on Monday approved a proposed amendment to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution aimed at creating a police force under the states, after it passed its second and third readings by the required two-thirds majority. The measure is intended to strengthen the fight against insecurity, protect farmers and improve crime prevention at local level, according to Leadership.
Ondo lawmakers believe that a state police force would make it possible to gather intelligence more quickly, respond faster in emergencies and better address risks specific to communities. It would complement the federal police, which could focus more on interstate crimes and complex cases.
The Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, instructed the clerk to transmit the text to the National Assembly with the state’s observations and recommendations. The bill notably provides for an amendment to Section 317A(5) of the Constitution.
The approval follows the proposal for a Nigerian state police force put forward by Ondo on 26 October. It forms part of the national constitutional reform process, after 24 Nigerian states approved the creation of state police on 23 October.
