The National Assembly is expected to pass the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police before the end of the week, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
Speaking on a range of national issues, including insecurity, constitutional reforms, electoral laws and economic challenges, Bamidele described the creation of state police as a critical reform whose time has come.
According to him, lawmakers have concluded consultations with key stakeholders and are now prepared to move the amendment through the legislative process.
State Police Amendment Near Final Stage
Bamidele said growing public support and worsening security challenges have reinforced the need for decentralised policing in Nigeria.
“Our position on state police is very clear. We stand with Nigerians on this issue,” he said.
The Senate leader disclosed that lawmakers have decided to separate the state police proposal from the wider constitutional review process to ensure its swift passage.
He explained that extensive consultations had been held involving the National Assembly’s constitutional review committees, the Office of the Attorney General, the Presidency, the Inspector-General of Police and other stakeholders.
According to him, once approved by the National Assembly, the amendment will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification, a constitutional requirement before it can receive presidential assent.
Bamidele expressed confidence that the process would gain support from state governments and lawmakers across the federation.
Senate Rejects Calls for Military Spending Probe
Addressing criticisms over the Senate’s refusal to establish a special committee to investigate military spending, Bamidele defended the decision, arguing that conducting a public probe while security forces remain engaged in active operations would be counterproductive.
He maintained that the armed forces continue to operate under extremely difficult conditions while confronting insurgents and other non-state actors.
The Senate leader noted that existing oversight mechanisms already allow legislative committees responsible for defence matters to monitor military procurement, spending and operational readiness.
According to him, lawmakers regularly conduct inspections and reviews of military acquisitions, including equipment sourced from international suppliers.
Security Challenges Remain a National Concern
Bamidele acknowledged that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges but insisted that security agencies are making progress despite recurring attacks in some parts of the country.
He argued that increased assaults by criminal groups should not automatically be interpreted as failure, claiming that ongoing military operations have inflicted significant losses on insurgent networks.
The senator urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies and cautioned against actions that could undermine public confidence in the military.
Senate Defends Relationship with Executive
Responding to criticisms that the 10th National Assembly has acted as a “rubber stamp” for the executive arm of government, Bamidele rejected the label.
He said lawmakers have maintained an active working relationship with the Presidency while resolving disagreements through consultations rather than public confrontations.
According to him, several contentious bills, including tax reform measures, underwent extensive discussions before reaching the floor of the Senate.
He argued that collaboration between government institutions should not be mistaken for a lack of independence.
Electoral Reforms and Future Legislative Priorities
On electoral reforms, Bamidele stated that amendments to the Electoral Act should only be considered after the completion of election cycles to avoid perceptions of political interference.
He also reaffirmed support for tougher anti-terrorism legislation, including proposals introducing stricter penalties for kidnapping and terrorism-related offences.
The Senate leader disclosed that several constitutional reform initiatives remain on the legislative agenda, including measures aimed at increasing women’s representation in elected offices.
Economic Reforms and Social Interventions
Discussing the country’s economic difficulties, Bamidele highlighted legislative actions aimed at easing pressure on citizens.
He pointed to reforms that established student loan programmes, tax relief measures for low-income earners and incentives for small businesses.
According to him, recent tax reforms exempt workers earning around the minimum wage from personal income tax while reducing tax burdens on smaller enterprises.
He described the measures as part of broader efforts to cushion the impact of economic reforms and stimulate long-term growth.
Call for Transparency on Lawmakers’ Earnings
Bamidele also addressed public concerns over lawmakers’ salaries, allowances and official vehicles.
He reiterated that members of the National Assembly do not determine their own remuneration, explaining that compensation packages are fixed by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
The Senate leader called for greater transparency and urged the commission to publish the remuneration details of all public office holders.
According to him, public disclosure would help address misconceptions about legislative earnings and improve public understanding of how government compensation is structured.
Focus Turns to Security Reform
With insecurity remaining a major national concern, the proposed state police amendment is expected to become one of the most significant constitutional reforms currently before the National Assembly.
If approved by federal and state lawmakers, the legislation could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s policing structure and provide states with greater responsibility in addressing local security challenges.
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