The Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria, marking a major step in the country's efforts to address growing security challenges.
The bill was approved on Wednesday after lawmakers considered and adopted its 26 clauses during plenary.
If fully enacted, the legislation will create a constitutional framework allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the existing federal police structure.
Leading debate on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposal as one of the most significant constitutional reforms since Nigeria's return to democratic governance. He said the current centralized policing system is under increasing pressure from security threats including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, cybercrime, and organized criminal activities.
According to the proposed framework, states wishing to establish police services must do so through legislation passed by their respective Houses of Assembly and comply with national standards set by the National Assembly.
The federal police will retain responsibility for national security matters such as counter-terrorism operations, border security, organized crime, cybercrime, arms trafficking, and policing of the Federal Capital Territory.
The bill also includes provisions aimed at preventing political abuse of state police services. Governors would be prohibited from using state police to target political opponents, individuals, groups, or associations unlawfully. The legislation further bars the use of police powers for partisan, ethnic, religious, sectional, or personal interests.
Several lawmakers expressed support for the bill during deliberations. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said he had previously opposed state police but changed his position due to the worsening security situation across the country. He, however, called for strong legal safeguards to protect citizens' rights and prevent abuse of power.
Similarly, Senator Aminu Tambuwal backed the proposal, describing state police as a necessary step toward strengthening federalism and improving security at the grassroots level. He stressed the need for accountability mechanisms to ensure the system is not misused by state authorities.
For the constitutional amendment to take effect, the bill must still secure approval from at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
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