The House of Representatives has assured Nigerians that the proposed state police system will not become private armies for state governors when fully implemented.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, gave the assurance on Wednesday during the National Security Roundtable held as part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja.
Abbas said the proposed reform is aimed at strengthening community policing while maintaining national oversight and safeguarding democratic principles.
He noted that the House would subject the State Police Bill to thorough legislative scrutiny to ensure it delivers effective policing without undermining democracy or the rule of law.
According to the Speaker, the proposal is one of the most significant constitutional reforms currently before the National Assembly.
He also pointed out that it marks the first time a sitting President has formally transmitted an executive bill seeking the establishment of state police.
“State Police will not be private armies for the various state governors.
“For the first time in our history, a sitting president has made state police a central part of national reform.
“He has done so not with words alone, but with a bill that now sits before the House of Representatives,” Abbas said.
The Speaker reiterated the House’s commitment to ensuring that the proposed state police framework enhances security across the country while remaining accountable, transparent and consistent with the provisions of the Constitution.
