Nigeria’s House of Representatives has recorded progress on three legislative proposals, including the long-awaited State Police Bill, which Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu says is set for transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

The development highlights ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to address security challenges, strengthen emergency healthcare services and reform tenancy practices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Kalu disclosed that the State Police Bill was approaching the final stage of the legislative process, raising expectations about the proposed decentralisation of policing in Nigeria.

The proposed state police framework is expected to provide a constitutional and legal basis for states to establish their own police structures, subject to safeguards and provisions designed to ensure accountability and prevent political abuse.

The proposal has remained a major subject of national debate, particularly amid growing concerns over insecurity, the effectiveness of the centralised policing system and calls for greater involvement of state governments in addressing security threats.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the National Health Act to strengthen emergency services across the country.

The proposed amendment is aimed at improving Nigeria’s emergency healthcare framework and enhancing the capacity of health institutions to respond to urgent medical situations.

If passed into law, the legislation could provide an opportunity to address gaps in emergency response, healthcare coordination and access to timely medical attention.

In another legislative development, a bill seeking to prohibit multiple-year rent payments in the Federal Capital Territory has also scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The proposal seeks to address concerns surrounding tenancy practices in Abuja, particularly the financial pressure placed on tenants who are required to pay rent covering several years in advance.

The bill is expected to generate further debate among lawmakers as they consider possible measures to improve tenant protection and promote fairness in the rental market.

All three proposals will require further legislative consideration and the completion of the relevant constitutional processes before they can become enforceable laws.

The developments underscore the National Assembly’s continuing legislative engagement with issues affecting national security, public health and housing affordability.

Nigeria’s State Police Bill moves towards President Tinubu’s assent as the House of Representatives advances proposed reforms to emergency healthcare and FCT rental payments.