Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged to fast-track legislative action on the proposed State Police Bill, describing it as a historic reform capable of transforming Nigeria’s approach to security.

Speaking after President Bola Tinubu’s letter transmitting the constitutional amendment bill was read during plenary, Akpabio praised the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for its extensive work on the proposal.

“You have spent about two years on this because it is an epoch-making bill that can address the security challenges confronting our country,” he said.

The Senate President argued that state policing would make security more inclusive by empowering communities, local governments and grassroots institutions to participate actively in crime prevention.

“Every community knows the bad eggs within it. When you see faces that are not from your community, you know. Communities can alert security agencies before crimes occur, allowing us to become proactive rather than reactive,” Akpabio stated.

He subsequently referred the bill to the Constitution Review Committee with instructions to present its report the following day, assuring lawmakers that the Senate would accelerate consideration before proceeding on recess.

Akpabio also expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity across the country and their families, saying the proposed reforms offered renewed hope for a safer Nigeria through closer collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.