In response to rising security challenges across Nigeria, the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency (Amendment) Bill through its second reading.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Isaac Anwuzia, Member representing Aniocha South and Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Peace and Security, seeks to provide legal backing and operational efficiency to local vigilante groups under the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency. Notably, the bill enjoys broad legislative support with 27 co-sponsors.
Leading the debate at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Hon. Anwuzia emphasized that the amendment aims to enhance accountability, expand the agency’s functions, and formalize collaboration between the Corps and community stakeholders in combating security threats.
“The objective is to create a more efficient and professional security structure at the grassroots level,” Anwuzia stated.
“Security is not only the foundation for a stable society but also key to attracting investment and development. This law will give teeth to local efforts in curbing crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, and herders’ attacks.”
A major provision of the amendment is to ensure fair remuneration for Corps members, setting their minimum pay equivalent to State Civil Service Grade Level 5.
The proposed law also recommends including all 25 local government chairmen as statutory members of the Corps to deepen local government involvement and oversight.
Supporting the bill, several lawmakers including Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi, Deputy Speaker Arthur Akpowowo, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Festus Okoh, Oboro Preyor, and others, praised the initiative as timely and necessary for strengthening Delta’s security architecture.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, subsequently referred the bill to the Joint Committee on Special Bills and the Committee on Peace and Security, directing them to report back by May 20, 2025.
In a separate development, the House also screened and confirmed Mr. Boubai Enai as Secretary of Bomadi Local Government Council during the Committee of the Whole session.
