Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman, House Defence Committee of the House of Representatives, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, has emphasised state police and the local government autonomy will go a long way in addressing the challenges confronting the country in terms of insecurity and grassroots development.
Rep. Benson who is representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber speaking as a panelist on Wednesday, at the National Security and Traditional Rulers Roundtable, held as part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, queried the rationale in the adoption of Presidential System of Government without accepting the State Policing System.
He described the efforts towards decentralisation of the police as a strategic move that would significantly address security challenges, while also commending President Bola Tinubu on his administration’s numerous reforms, especially that of the Local Government Administration.
The three -term representative joined other policymakers, security experts, military leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to discuss at the interactive session themed, “Security Situation, Legislative Support and State Policing.”
“During the discussion, I noted that while Nigeria adopted the American presidential system, we did not adopt State Police, despite our unique security realities. I therefore commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership in supporting State Police as a strategic response to our security challenges.
“With the right constitutional safeguards and accountability, a decentralised policing system will strengthen intelligence gathering, rapid response and community policing.
“I also applauded the President’s commitment to Local Government Autonomy, describing it as a landmark reform that will deepen grassroots governance, improve service delivery, stimulate rural development and tackle some of the root causes of insecurity.”
Rep. Benson also reinstated the commitment of the National Assembly to further strengthen the country’s armed forces and urged closer partnership between major stakeholders to combat insecurity.
“As Chairman, House Committee on Defence, I reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to providing robust legislative support, effective oversight and adequate funding for our Armed Forces and other security institutions while promoting transparency, accountability and value for public resources.”
“I was equally privileged to deliver the closing remarks, where I called for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“Together, through bold reforms, purposeful leadership and sustained legislative action, we can build a nation where every Nigerian lives in safety, every community prospers and every citizen has the opportunity to realise their full potential,” Rep. Benson assured.
