Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has assured Nigerians and international partners that the proposed State Police Bill contains robust constitutional safeguards designed to prevent political abuse and ensure accountability.
Speaking during a reception hosted by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja, Kalu appealed for the continued support of EU Heads of Mission as Nigeria advances its constitutional amendment process.
Addressing concerns that state governors could misuse state-controlled police forces to intimidate political opponents, Kalu explained that the bill introduces constitutional checks, independent oversight, and clearly defined operational guidelines to guarantee transparency.
According to him, the goal is not merely to decentralize policing but to establish a system that is both effective and accountable. He emphasized that the proposed legal framework includes safeguards that will prevent abuse of power.
Kalu argued that Nigeria’s current centralized policing structure is no longer sufficient for a country with over 230 million people spread across 923,768 square kilometres. He noted that many federal nations, including Germany, Canada, India, and Australia, operate decentralized policing systems that combine local enforcement with national coordination.
He stressed that officers recruited from local communities are better positioned to understand the terrain, culture, and security challenges of the areas they serve, making policing more responsive and effective.
Beyond security reforms, Kalu called on the European Union to continue supporting Nigeria’s constitutional review process, revealing that the amendment bills have passed both chambers of the National Assembly and now require approval from at least *24 State Houses of Assembly before being forwarded to the President for assent.
The Deputy Speaker also advocated for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, noting that despite women making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they currently occupy only 19 out of 469 seats in the National Assembly. He argued that increasing women’s participation in governance would strengthen democracy and contribute significantly to economic growth.
Additionally, Kalu highlighted other proposed constitutional reforms, including local government autonomy, citizenship reforms, judicial independence, electoral reforms, fiscal restructuring, and stronger human rights protections.
He concluded by expressing optimism that the ongoing constitutional reforms would deepen Nigeria’s democracy, improve governance, and deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.