The Senate has approved a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria, marking a significant step toward overhauling the country’s security architecture.
The bill, which was passed after lawmakers adopted all 26 clauses during consideration at the Committee of the Whole, aims to create a legal framework for state-controlled police forces operating alongside the existing federal police structure.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the legislation as one of the most consequential constitutional reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999. According to him, the reform is designed to improve intelligence gathering, enhance security coordination and ensure quicker responses to local security threats.
Under the proposed arrangement, the federal police would retain responsibilities for counter-terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, border security and other national security matters. State police services, where established, would focus on enforcing state laws, maintaining public order and protecting lives and property within their jurisdictions.
The bill has garnered support from lawmakers who argue that Nigeria’s growing insecurity requires innovative solutions and a more decentralised policing structure. However, concerns remain over the potential misuse of state police by state governments, prompting the Senate to include safeguards and oversight mechanisms in the proposed framework.
For the constitutional amendment to take effect, it will still require approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can become law.
