The Senate has announced plans to begin intensive deliberations on the establishment of state police this week, signalling a major step in ongoing efforts to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges through constitutional reforms.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this during a briefing with members of the Senate Press Corps, stating that the proposal has emerged as one of the most critical issues before the National Assembly.
According to him, lawmakers are responding to widespread public calls for decentralised policing and are determined to ensure that the constitutional amendment process progresses without unnecessary delays.
Bamidele explained that extensive consultations had already been conducted with relevant stakeholders and that the Senate was prepared to accelerate legislative action on the matter.
“We are standing with Nigerians on state police. That will come to fruition this week during plenary.
“We have been holding a series of meetings with stakeholders and will fast-track deliberations so that the bill can proceed to the 36 state houses of assembly and eventually receive presidential assent,” he said.
The Senate Leader noted that the proposed legislation forms a key component of the broader constitutional review process aimed at strengthening governance structures and improving the country’s capacity to respond to security threats.
He expressed optimism that the bill would receive the necessary legislative support required to move through subsequent stages of approval.
Beyond the issue of state policing, Bamidele also addressed ongoing public discussions surrounding Nigeria’s security architecture and recent calls for an investigation into the military.
He argued that demands for a probe of the armed forces at a time when security agencies are battling multiple threats across the country amount to a misplacement of priorities.
According to him, such calls are neither helpful nor supportive of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled parts of the nation.
The Senate Leader further spoke on concerns raised over the remuneration of lawmakers, assuring Nigerians that the upper chamber would soon provide greater transparency regarding salaries, allowances and other official entitlements.
He said details relating to the earnings of senators, ministers and other public office holders would be made public in order to address misconceptions and provide clarity on government expenditures.
His remarks followed public debates generated by recent court pronouncements reportedly describing the procurement of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) worth N110 billion and certain allowance arrangements for lawmakers as unlawful.
Defending the acquisition of the vehicles, Bamidele insisted that they were procured to enable lawmakers effectively carry out official responsibilities, particularly engagements within their constituencies.
“Every vehicle given to us is meant for constituency work and other official assignments. Public office holders are entitled to such provisions. It is neither strange nor peculiar to lawmakers in Nigeria,” the senator said.
He maintained that official vehicles are essential tools for legislative work and should not be viewed as extraordinary benefits exclusive to members of the National Assembly.
Bamidele also acknowledged that criticism of the legislature is not unusual, noting that the Senate’s oversight role often places it at the centre of public scrutiny and political disagreements.
He added that lawmakers remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities despite recurring criticism, stressing that the institution would continue to pursue reforms and legislative actions aimed at addressing national concerns.
The planned debate on state police is expected to attract significant attention in the coming days, as many stakeholders view the proposal as a potential solution to persistent security challenges confronting different parts of the country.
