Nigeria moved closer to the establishment of state police on Wednesday as the Senate passed a landmark constitutional amendment bill seeking to decentralize policing and strengthen security across the country.
The proposed legislation, comprising 26 clauses, provides the legal framework for the creation of state police services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the nation’s central law enforcement agency.
The bill, which was adopted after extensive consideration by lawmakers, empowers states to establish and maintain their own police formations through legislation passed by their respective Houses of Assembly.
One of the major highlights of the amendment is the provision allowing governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police, subject to recommendations by the National Police Council and confirmation by state legislatures.
Under the proposed arrangement, state police will be responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing state laws, preventing crimes, and protecting lives and property within their jurisdictions.
The Federal Police, headed by the Inspector-General of Police, will continue to oversee national security matters, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized criminal activities, arms trafficking, and border security.
To prevent political abuse, the bill introduces safeguards prohibiting state police authorities from arresting, detaining, harassing, or investigating citizens solely for expressing dissenting opinions or criticizing government policies.
The legislation also establishes a mechanism for resolving disputes between governors and state police commissioners. Where a commissioner considers a directive from a governor unlawful, the matter may be referred to the National Police Council for review and final determination.
Supporters of the bill argue that the centralized policing structure has become overstretched amid rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other security challenges across the country.
They believe state police will improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing, and ensure quicker responses to security threats.
However, the bill has not yet become law. As a constitutional amendment, it must secure approval from at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
If approved, the reform would represent one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s security architecture since the return to democratic governance in 1999.
Key Clauses and Provisions of the 26-Clause State Police Bill
Creation of a dual policing system comprising Federal and State Police.
States empowered to establish police services through state laws.
Federal Police to remain the national policing authority.
Federal Police to retain responsibility for national security matters.
Federal Police to handle counter-terrorism operations.
Federal Police to oversee border security.
Federal Police to investigate cybercrime and organized crime.
State Police to enforce state laws.
State Police to maintain public order within states.
State Police to prevent and detect crimes.
State Police to protect lives and property.
Governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police.
Appointments to be based on recommendations of the National Police Council.
State Assemblies to confirm appointments of Commissioners.
Commissioners to enjoy security of tenure.
Governors empowered to issue lawful directives on security matters.
Commissioners may challenge unlawful directives before the National Police Council.
Independent State Police Service Commissions to be established.
Commissions to oversee recruitment, promotion and discipline.
National Assembly to prescribe minimum policing standards nationwide.
No State Police Service to commence operations without certification of compliance with national standards.
State Police prohibited from partisan, ethnic, religious or personal deployment.
Federal intervention permitted in cases of security breakdown, rights violations or threats to national security.
Presidential approval required before federal intervention in State policing operations.
Federal intervention to be subject to legislative oversight and judicial review.
