The Nigerian Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services, marking a major step towards restructuring the country’s security framework.
The bill, which amends the 1999 Constitution, introduces a dual policing system consisting of a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. The legislation was passed on June 24 after securing the support of more than two-thirds of senators following clause-by-clause consideration.
A central provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states. Such appointments must be made on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the respective state Houses of Assembly.
According to the proposed amendment, state police commissioners will be required to meet qualifications and national minimum standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.
Governors Granted Limited Operational Authority
The bill outlines the relationship between governors and state police commands. Governors may issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to commissioners of police on matters concerning public safety and public order within their states.
However, lawmakers included safeguards intended to prevent political abuse of state police powers.
One provision expressly prohibits state police commissioners from arresting, detaining, investigating or deploying force against any individual, political party or group solely for criticising a government, except where permitted under existing laws.
The measure is aimed at protecting political opponents, journalists, activists and other citizens from potential misuse of state policing structures.
Federal Government Retains Emergency Power
The legislation also allows the Federal Police Service to intervene in a state’s internal security affairs under specific circumstances.
Federal intervention may occur where there is an actual or imminent breakdown of public order that a state police service is unable or unwilling to contain, or where a governor formally requests federal assistance.
Any intervention must be authorised in writing by the President, stating the reasons, affected territory, functions and duration. Relevant authorities, including the governor, state assembly speaker, National Police Council and National Assembly, must be notified within 48 hours.
The bill further stipulates that such intervention cannot continue beyond a period prescribed by law unless approved by the Senate.
Tinubu Pushes Security Reform Agenda
The Senate’s approval came a day after President Bola Tinubu transmitted the bill to lawmakers.
According to the President, the amendment seeks to create a legal framework that allows states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police structure.
He argued that the proposal would strengthen security, improve protection of citizens and enable communities, municipalities and local governments to play a greater role in maintaining public safety.
Longstanding Debate Over State Police
Calls for state police have intensified in recent years as Nigeria faces persistent security challenges, including kidnappings, banditry and communal violence.
Supporters believe decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based security efforts and enable quicker responses to local threats.
Critics, however, continue to raise concerns about possible political interference by governors, funding difficulties and the potential for ethnic or communal tensions.
The bill now advances the Federal Government’s broader effort to establish a constitutional framework for state policing, a reform that has remained one of the most debated issues in Nigeria’s security sector.
