The Senate has clarified why the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will not be included in the proposed state police system, citing constitutional limitations.

According to Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, the FCT lacks the essential constitutional structures required to operate a state-controlled police force.

He explained that unlike the 36 states, the FCT does not have a governor or a State House of Assembly. Instead, it is directly administered by the Federal Government through a minister who reports to the Federal Executive Council.

Adaramodu further noted that legislative responsibilities for the FCT are handled by the National Assembly, making its governance structure fundamentally different from that of the states.

“I have heard many people raise questions about why the FCT is not included in the state police plan. The FCT is different because it is under the Federal Government,” he stated.

He emphasized that the absence of a state legislature and executive authority makes it impractical for Abuja to adopt the same policing framework being proposed for the states.

“The Federal Capital Territory does not have its own assembly. The National Assembly makes laws for the FCT. That is why it operates in line with the Federal Government, and federal police remain responsible for its security,” he added.

This clarification comes as the Federal Government advances plans to establish state police across Nigeria. President  is expected to receive the draft of the Executive National Policing Bill on September 3.