National Assembly Proposes Fiscal Autonomy for State Police

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria's National Assembly has proposed fiscal autonomy for state police, The Guardian Nigeria News reported on Thursday, signalling renewed momentum behind a long-debated plan to decentralise the country's policing structure. The House of Representatives withdrew its own state police bill to fast-track an executive (presidential) proposal, The Nigerian Observer reported on 14 July. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has prioritised the executive bill, Pointblank News reported on 15 July, as the 10th National Assembly aligns its legislative calendar with President Bola Tinubu's position on the reform. The fiscal autonomy proposal would give state governments direct control over funding for police forces established within their jurisdictions, according to The Guardian's reporting. Supporters argue decentralisation could improve local responses to banditry, kidnapping and communal violence that have strained the federal police. For a federation contending with escalating insecurity, the shift toward state-controlled policing is a significant governance change. Analysts note that without clear fiscal arrangements, states may struggle to finance and oversee new forces. This article was reported from The Guardian Nigeria News, The Nigerian Observer and Pointblank News on 16 July 2026. Source Reporters corrects errors promptly; contact the desk with amendments.