Nigeria has moved a step closer to adopting a decentralised policing system after the Senate approved a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across the federation.
The proposed legislation, which received the backing of more than two-thirds of senators, introduces a dual policing structure that will operate alongside the existing federal arrangement, creating a Federal Police Service and separate State Police Services.
The bill was considered and passed during plenary after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented its general principles to lawmakers.
One of the key provisions empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, based on recommendations from the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by state Houses of Assembly.
The proposed framework also grants governors the authority to issue lawful policy directives to state police commissioners on matters relating to public safety and public order within their jurisdictions.
To address concerns about potential misuse of the new policing system, the bill contains safeguards aimed at protecting civil liberties and democratic rights.
Under the amendment, state police authorities would be prohibited from arresting, detaining, investigating or deploying force against individuals, political parties or groups solely for criticising government actions, except where such actions are supported by law and due process.
The legislation further defines conditions under which the Federal Police Service may intervene in state security matters. Such intervention would be allowed in cases of actual or imminent breakdown of public order, where a state police service is unable or unwilling to contain a security threat, or when a governor formally requests federal assistance.
Any federal intervention must receive written authorisation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while details of the operation must be communicated to the affected governor, state House of Assembly, National Police Council and National Assembly within 48 hours.
The Senate’s approval came barely a day after Tinubu transmitted the constitutional amendment bill to the National Assembly, describing state police as a vital component of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and deepen community-based policing.
According to the President, the proposal is intended to improve security coordination, enhance grassroots intelligence gathering and enable states to respond more effectively to emerging security threats.
The bill will now proceed to the next phase of the constitutional amendment process, requiring approval from at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can be presented for presidential assent.
Calls for state police have intensified in recent years as Nigeria continues to confront challenges such as banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, with supporters arguing that locally controlled policing offers a more effective response to security issues within communities.
While proponents view the proposal as a significant step toward addressing the nation’s security concerns, critics remain cautious, citing fears of political interference, funding constraints and the possible abuse of state-controlled police formations.
