In a landmark move that could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security architecture, the Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across the country.
The legislation, which was approved on Wednesday after lawmakers adopted its 26 clauses during the committee of the whole, aims to decentralize the nation’s
policing structure to combat worsening insecurity.
The executive bill, transmitted by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeks to create a constitutional framework for the state-controlled police services which will operate alongside the existing federal police.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who opened the debate, described the
legislation as “one of the most significant constitutional reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule”.
The Push for Decentralization
For decades, Nigeria has operated a centralized policing system, with the federal government retaining exclusive control over the Nigeria Police Force.
However, the escalating complexity of security threats—including terrorism, banditry, mass abductions, farmer-herder conflicts, and cybercrime—has placed enormous pressure on this existing framework.
“The increasing complexity of security threats, have placed enormous pressure on the existing policing framework,” Bamidele stated, emphasizing that modern policing relies heavily on intelligence, which local officers are better equipped to gather.
Under the proposed amendment, states that choose to establish their own police services must do so through legislation passed by their houses of assembly and meet national minimum standards prescribed by the National Assembly.
The federal police will retain responsibility for counter-terrorism, organized crime, border security, and policing the Federal Capital Territory.
Safeguards Against Abuse
A major concern surrounding the creation of state police has been the potential for abuse by state governors, who might use the force to target political opponents or to advance personal agendas.
To address these fears, the bill includes several safeguards. According to Bamidele, the legislation prohibits governors from directing state police
services to unlawfully target individuals, political parties, or groups.
It also forbids the use of police powers for partisan, ethnic, religious, or personal purposes.
Additional safeguards include the establishment of State Police Service Commissions, federal oversight through the Federal Police Service Commission, and constitutional procedures for the removal of state commissioners of police.
Shifting Perspectives and Broad Support
The worsening security situation has prompted many lawmakers to reconsider their previous opposition to state police. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, admitted to changing his stance.
“Mr. President, I used to be one of those that is against state police. Mark my words; I used to be. But today, we know that we have very serious insecurity problem that can only be solved by thinking outside the box. And I think that this is part of it.” — Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto South echoed this sentiment, citing recent attacks in his senatorial district as evidence of urgent need for alternative security approaches. He argued that state police would be a “major leap into entrenchment of federalism in Nigeria”.
The move has also garnered support from the Nigeria Governors Forum, with all 36 state governors throwing their weight behind the creation of state police.
Security experts have similarly lauded the development. Ikemesit Effiong, a partner at SBM Intelligence, noted that calls for the decentralized police have increased due to the “sluggish nature of the government’s response” to recent mass kidnappings, which he attributed to the structural deficiencies of a centralized framework.
The Road Ahead
While the Senate’s approval marks a significant milestone, the constitutional amendment process is far from complete.
For the bill to take effect, it must secure the approval of at least two-thirds of the state houses of assembly before being transmitted to the president for assent.
As Nigeria grapples with an escalating insecurity crisis, the passage of the state police bill represents critical step toward empowering local authorities to protect their communities.
Whether this historic reform will deliver the promised security improvements remains to be seen, but it undeniably signals a profound shift in the nation’s approach to law enforcement.