New York: U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has commended President Bola Tinubu following the Nigerian Senate’s passage of the highly anticipated State Police Bill.
Reacting to the legislative milestone on Wednesday evening, Moore welcomed the development as a crucial turning point for the nation’s security framework.
“I’m encouraged to see Nigeria’s Senate approve legislation to establish state-level police forces,” Moore said. “I can’t stress how critical this law is. It will empower states to protect their citizens and reduce dependence on decision-makers in Abuja.”
The U.S. lawmaker noted that he has advocated for this reform both publicly and privately since investigating violence against communities in Nigeria. He emphasised that decentralised policing will significantly strengthen local efforts to combat insecurity and protect vulnerable populations, adding, “President Tinubu deserves credit for pushing it forward.”
Congressman Moore has emerged as a prominent voice in Washington regarding Nigeria’s security challenges and religious freedom concerns. He has frequently urged the U.S. government to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, which identifies nations accused of severe violations.
The Senate’s approval of the constitutional amendment bill marks a historic shift in Nigeria’s policing structure, paving the way for states to establish independent law enforcement services alongside the existing federal police force.
While the legislation enjoys broad bipartisan support after years of national debate, the amendment must now proceed to the state legislatures, where it requires ratification by a two-thirds majority to be fully integrated into the Constitution.