Akpabio Reveals Plan for National Commission to Regulate Proposed State Police

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that the National Assembly is considering the establishment of a national commission to oversee the operations of state police as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria.

Akpabio made the revelation while speaking with journalists after leading members of the National Assembly on an Eid visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.

According to him, the proposed commission would be responsible for regulating key aspects of state policing, including recruitment, training, promotions, discipline, and operational standards, to ensure accountability and uniformity across the country.

He explained that lawmakers are working closely with the President to develop a framework that would allow state governments to play a more active role in safeguarding lives and property while maintaining national oversight.

The Senate President noted that the goal is to create a state policing system that strengthens security without creating new challenges, stressing that proper regulation would be critical to its success.

Akpabio also revealed that the National Assembly is considering increasing allocations to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund from 0.5 percent to one percent of the Federation Account. He said the move would provide additional resources for police equipment, infrastructure, and operational effectiveness.

On the country's security situation, Akpabio acknowledged that challenges remain but argued that significant progress has been made under the current administration. He stated that insurgent groups no longer openly control territory or hoist their flags in any part of the country, although attacks on vulnerable targets such as schools, churches, and mosques continue to pose concerns.

The Senate President further praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as important steps toward stabilizing and repositioning Nigeria’s economy. He cited the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate reforms, tax policy changes, and major infrastructure projects as key achievements of the administration.

Among the projects highlighted were the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos-Badagry-Sokoto road corridor, which he said have the potential to improve connectivity, support agriculture, and stimulate economic growth.

Akpabio also called for increased crude oil production to boost foreign exchange earnings, particularly as local refining capacity expands through investments such as the Dangote Refinery.

He expressed optimism that continued collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government would help address security and economic challenges while laying the foundation for sustainable national development.