President Bola Tinubu’s push to establish state police in Nigeria has moved a step closer to becoming reality after securing approval from both chambers of the National Assembly.
The proposed constitutional amendment, titled Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, seeks to decentralise policing and create additional security structures at the state level to address growing security challenges across the country.
The bill comes amid increasing calls for reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture as states continue to confront kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, cybercrime and communal conflicts.
However, before the proposal can become law, it must still secure approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
Here are eight major things Nigerians should know about the proposed legislation:
1. State Assemblies Hold the Final Key
Although the Senate and House of Representatives have passed the bill, it will only become law if no fewer than 24 state legislatures approve the constitutional amendment. Failure to meet this threshold means the process ends.
2. State Police Will Operate Alongside Federal Police
The proposed arrangement does not replace the Nigeria Police Force. Instead, state police would focus on local security, crime prevention and enforcement of state laws, while federal police retain responsibility for national security issues including terrorism, organised crime, border security and cyber-related offences.
3. Governors Will Appoint State Police Commissioners
Under the proposal, state governors would nominate police commissioners. However, appointments would require confirmation by state assemblies and guidance from the National Police Council. Removal of commissioners would also require approval by a two-thirds majority of the state assembly.
4. Governors Can Issue Security Directives
The bill empowers governors to issue directives relating to public safety and internal security within their states. However, such directives may be reviewed if considered inconsistent with the law.
5. Federal Police Intervention Will Be Restricted
The proposed framework limits routine federal interference in state policing operations. Intervention would only occur under exceptional situations such as national security threats, breakdown of public order, electoral intimidation or protection of fundamental rights, subject to presidential approval and legislative oversight.
6. Safeguards Against Political Abuse Are Included
One of the major concerns surrounding state police has been the fear of political intimidation. To address this, the bill includes provisions prohibiting the use of state police against political opponents, critics or opposition groups.
7. Funding Support May Come From the Federal Government
While state governments are expected to fund their police structures, the proposal allows the federal government to provide grants where necessary, subject to approval processes.
8. State Police Service Commission Will Be Created
The bill also proposes the establishment of a State Police Service Commission to oversee administration and accountability. Membership would include retired senior police officers drawn from the six geopolitical zones, with appointments subject to presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.
Supporters argue that state police would strengthen local intelligence gathering and improve response time to insecurity, particularly in rural communities. Critics, however, continue to express concerns over funding capacity and possible political misuse.
With the proposal now moving to state assemblies, attention will shift to whether enough states support what could become one of Nigeria’s most significant policing reforms in decades.
Advertisement
