Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the National Assembly is developing a funding framework for the proposed establishment of state police, assuring Nigerians that financing will not be an obstacle to its implementation.
Kalu gave the assurance on Friday while briefing journalists in Abuja after returning from a week-long engagement at Chatham House and the London Climate Action Week in the United Kingdom.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over whether state governments would have the financial capacity to establish and sustain independent police services if the proposed constitutional amendment creating state police is approved.
Addressing the concerns, Kalu said lawmakers are already working on mechanisms to ensure the proposed policing system is financially sustainable.
"We are looking at how to make sure that funding will not be a problem with regard to state policing because, as you know, it is like taking some of the responsibility of the Federal Government for the states to handle," he said.
The Deputy Speaker argued that the fiscal reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration have significantly increased allocations to state governments, giving them greater capacity to shoulder additional responsibilities.
"It is important to note that this current administration, which believes in federalism, has released more money to the states than ever before. So it wouldn't be out of place if Mr. President says, 'I'm already sending the states a lot of money. Part of it should be used for this,'" he said.
Kalu added that the National Assembly is also exploring other funding options to guarantee the long-term sustainability of state police.
"As a parliament, we are looking at where we can get one or two things that will help funding not to become an issue. We'll figure it out in the coming days," he said.
Despite the National Assembly being on recess, Kalu said lawmakers continue to hold consultations aimed at strengthening the legal framework for the proposed policing system.
He said members are working to ensure the constitutional amendment is robust enough to support the responsibilities expected of state police.
Responding to concerns that governors could misuse state police to intimidate political opponents, Kalu acknowledged the fears but insisted the proposed constitutional amendment contains safeguards against abuse.
According to him, the draft legislation clearly defines the powers, duties and responsibilities of state police while establishing national minimum operational standards that every state police service must meet.
"They can increase the standard for the state, but they cannot go below the national minimum standard," he said, adding that state police would not be permitted to engage in partisan or politically motivated activities.
Kalu disclosed that once the constitutional amendment is passed, the National Assembly intends to repeal and re-enact the Police Act to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the operation of state police nationwide.
On the country's security situation, the Deputy Speaker dismissed claims that insecurity is worsening, maintaining that available security data points to steady improvement.
"I argue that insecurity in our country is not deepening. It is declining. It is not increasing," he said.
He noted that the number of local government areas previously controlled by insurgents has dropped from 17 to fewer than six, attributing the improvement to sustained military operations and government interventions.
Kalu also highlighted increased investment in the defence sector, saying budgetary allocations have risen from about ₦2.1 trillion to more than ₦5 trillion under the current administration.
He added that the National Assembly is considering legislation to place defence funding on the first-line charge to ensure timely release of resources for military and security operations.
According to Kalu, he presented Nigeria's ongoing constitutional reforms, security initiatives and preparations for the 2027 general elections during his engagements at Chatham House with policymakers and development partners.
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