The Senate has explained why the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will not be included in the proposed state police system, saying Abuja lacks the constitutional structures required to operate a separate police force.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, said the FCT differs from Nigeria’s 36 states because it does not have an elected governor or a State House of Assembly.
According to him, the FCT is administered by a minister appointed by the President, while legislative responsibilities for the territory are handled by the National Assembly.
Adaramodu explained that since the FCT operates directly under the Federal Government, policing responsibilities in Abuja will remain under the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the proposed state police arrangement is designed for the 36 states, which have their own governors and state legislatures.
The Senate spokesperson’s clarification comes as the Federal Government advances plans to establish state police across the country.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the draft Executive National Policing Bill on September 3 as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system.
