The Edo State House of Assembly has approved the constitutional amendment seeking to provide for the establishment of state police services in Nigeria.
Lawmakers approved the proposal unanimously after it was sent to the House by the National Assembly for consideration.
The proposal is part of Nigeria’s wider constitutional amendment process.
Several Edo lawmakers argued during the debate that state police could bring security closer to communities. One lawmaker also proposed an Edo State Police Service Commission to oversee a future state police structure.
What this means for you
This does not mean Edo State can immediately recruit or deploy its own police force.
Edo’s vote is one step in the constitutional amendment process. The proposal still depends on the wider approvals required before Nigeria’s Constitution can be changed.
If the amendment eventually becomes law, policing responsibilities in Nigeria could change significantly, with states potentially having their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The final structure, powers, funding and oversight of any state police system would depend on the eventual constitutional and legal framework.
What happens next
The Edo Assembly has directed that its concurrence be forwarded to the National Assembly.
Other state Houses of Assembly are also considering the proposed amendment.