In picture: Chairman of the Nigeria Police Force committee on State Police, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, presents on behalf of IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, a framework for the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, at the National Assembly, Abuja, on Thursday. Photo: DPS Media Office.

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a framework for the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, as part of efforts to decentralise policing in Nigeria.

In a statement by Ismail Mudashir, the Special Adviser on media and publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate on Thursday, the 75-page report, titled “A comprehensive framework for the establishment, governance and coordination of Federal and State Police,” was presented to Jibrin at his office in the National Assembly by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, chairman of the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to examine the modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said that the report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture,” he said

The IGP emphasised that the framework was forwarded to the Chairman and the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution “as the Nigeria Police Force’s input on the subject matter.”

In response , Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for his proactive approach on the establishment of the state police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country.

He assured that the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution “will look at the framework, along with all other memos submitted to it, for the review of the country’s grundnorm.

”The framework is expected to provide guidance on the proposed modus operandi, governance, and coordination of State Police, marking a major step in ongoing discussions to restructure Nigeria’s policing system.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has confirmed legislative and political support for the establishment of Anioma State.

Akpabio made this known on Wednesday at the All Progressives conference’s (APC) south-south zonal conference in Asaba, Delta state.

The Senate President stated that the President Bola Tinubu administration remains dedicated to the effort.

Akpabio said that if Anioma is established, Warri will serve as the capital of the new Delta state.

He said Warri already has key infrastructure, including an airport, government offices, major oil companies, a seaport, and a stadium.

Akpabio described the agitation for Anioma state as historically justified, noting that the proposal reflects a long-standing aspiration rooted in equity, administrative efficiency, and balanced development.

The senate president said the initiative, championed by Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta north, has continued to receive legislative attention.

Akpabio added that the proposal ranks among the priorities of the 10th senate, adding that the creation of Anioma state would come with socio-economic and administrative benefits.

The ex-Akwa Ibom governor said the restructuring would split Delta state into two viable entities and promote decentralisation.

“Anioma state will be created, with Asaba as its capital.

The senate fully supports the initiative spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko,” he said.

The federal government directed that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be reopened for public use on or before March 31.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declared during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover.

Umahi said :

“I have given the controller the authority. By the 31st or before, he should call the press to open this road.

Call the people of South-East, let them know that this road is open for travel, and that will be our Easter celebration.”

Umahi expressed confidence that the era of frequent fatal accidents, endless traffic, and public frustration along the expressway is coming to an end.

“I’m going around the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29 by the president. There are mega projects that the president will be available for before May 29, and we mean it,” he said.

Once regarded as one of the region’s most dangerous highways, the Enugu–Onitsha Road had long been plagued by tanker explosions, fatal accidents, and economic disruptions. Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory.