RismadarVoice Reporters, August 8, 2026
The Senate has explained why the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will not be included in the proposed state police system, citing the territory’s unique constitutional and administrative structure.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated that Abuja lacks the necessary institutions to operate a state-controlled police force because it does not have a governor or a State House of Assembly.
Adaramodu clarified while addressing concerns over the exclusion of the FCT from ongoing plans to establish state police across Nigeria.
According to him, the FCT is administered directly by the Federal Government through a minister, while legislative functions for the territory are performed by the National Assembly.
“The FCT issue is different. It is under the Federal Government,” he said.
Section of the Senate house
The senator explained that unlike the 36 states, which have elected governors and state legislatures, the FCT operates under a distinct constitutional arrangement.
He said the National Assembly makes laws for the FCT, while the Minister of the FCT implements policies and directives of the Federal Government.
“The federal capital does not have an assembly. The National Assembly is the body that makes laws for the Federal Capital Territory. That’s why it has to be the same as what the Federal Government does. So, the federal police are responsible,” Adaramodu said.
The clarification comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to establish state-controlled police forces as part of broader reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the draft Executive National Policing Bill on September 3 as the administration moves to advance the proposed policing reforms.
