The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has expressed strong support for the proposed State Police Bill, assuring Nigerians that State Houses of Assembly are prepared to give the legislation thorough and timely consideration when it reaches them.

The Conference described the Senate's advancement of the bill as a significant milestone in the ongoing constitutional amendment process and a major step towards strengthening Nigeria's security architecture.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the Speakers said the development represents an important moment in the national conversation on policing, security and true federalism.

According to the Conference, the proposed establishment of state police aligns with growing calls for a more decentralised and responsive security framework capable of addressing the unique challenges facing communities across the country.

The Speakers reiterated their support for community-based policing, arguing that security challenges are often best addressed by institutions that possess a deep understanding of local environments, cultures and emerging threats.

They noted that when properly structured within the framework of the law, state policing would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen response times and enhance the overall effectiveness of law enforcement operations.

"Communities deserve policing structures that understand their unique environments and concerns," the statement noted.

The Conference emphasized that localised policing has the potential to complement existing federal security agencies and provide more effective responses to grassroots security challenges.

The Speakers also reassured Nigerians that once the constitutional amendment bill is transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, as required under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, lawmakers at the state level will carefully examine its provisions.

They pledged to conduct broad consultations, engage relevant stakeholders and organise public hearings where necessary to ensure that all perspectives are considered before a final decision is reached.

According to the statement, deliberations on the bill will be guided by the overriding objectives of promoting national unity, safeguarding lives and property, and strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions.

The Conference commended the Senate for what it described as a courageous and forward-looking legislative initiative and called on Nigerians to approach discussions surrounding the bill with patriotism, objectivity and a shared commitment to improving national security.

The Speakers further reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with the National Assembly, the Executive Arm of Government and other critical stakeholders to ensure the successful passage of constitutional reforms aimed at deepening democracy, enhancing governance and addressing contemporary national challenges.

The State Police Bill is widely regarded as one of the most significant constitutional reform proposals in recent years. If approved by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly and subsequently assented to by the President, it will pave the way for the creation of state-controlled police services across Nigeria, fundamentally reshaping the country's security framework.

With growing support from federal lawmakers, state legislatures and other stakeholders, attention is now shifting to the next stage of the constitutional amendment process, where state assemblies will play a decisive role in determining the future of state policing in Nigeria.