By Barth Ikiebe with Agency Reports
The Senate has passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police across the federation.
The passage of the legislation marks one of the most consequential constitutional reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 and could fundamentally alter the country’s policing framework if it secures the remaining constitutional approvals.
The bill was approved after lawmakers considered the report of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution chaired by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.
Following clause-by-clause consideration at the Committee of the Whole, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the legislation after more than two-thirds of Senators voted in support through a manual voting process.
The development comes amid growing calls for the decentralisation of policing powers as the country continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other security challenges.
Governors To Appoint State Police Commissioners.
A major provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police who will head their respective State Police Services.
According to Clause 17 of the proposed legislation, the State Police Service will operate alongside the Federal Police Service, creating a dual policing structure similar to those practised in many federal systems around the world.
Under the arrangement, the Inspector General of Police will continue to head the Federal Police Service, while state police formations will be supervised by Commissioners of Police appointed by governors and confirmed by their respective State Houses of Assembly.
The provision is expected to give governors greater influence over security operations within their states, a power they have long demanded as chief security officers of their states.
For decades, governors have complained that despite bearing constitutional responsibility for security within their domains, they lacked direct operational control over the police.
Governors granted authority to issue security directives
The legislation also grants governors authority to issue lawful written directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and public order.
Section 17(6) of the bill specifically provides that governors may issue directives of a general policy nature concerning security management within their states.
Security experts have frequently pointed to delays in obtaining operational approvals under the current centralised policing system as one of the factors affecting effective crime prevention and response.
Advocates believe a state-controlled police structure will improve intelligence gathering because personnel recruited locally are more likely to understand the terrain, language and social dynamics of their communities.
Safeguards Introduced Against Political Abuse.
One of the most debated aspects of the state police proposal has been the fear that governors could misuse the security apparatus to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent or influence elections.
To address those concerns, the Senate incorporated safeguards aimed at protecting civil liberties and preventing political persecution.
Section 17(7) expressly prohibits State Commissioners of Police from arresting, detaining, investigating or deploying force against any individual, political party or group merely for criticising the government.
The provision states that any action taken against individuals or groups must be carried out strictly in accordance with the law and established due process procedures.
Analysts say the clause reflects lawmakers’ efforts to balance the need for localised security management with constitutional protections for freedom of expression and political participation.
The debate over state police has persisted for more than two decades.
Several constitutional conferences, security summits and national dialogues have recommended decentralised policing as a means of addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Successive administrations considered the proposal but failed to secure the political consensus necessary to amend the Constitution.
However, worsening insecurity across several parts of the country has renewed pressure on policymakers to adopt alternative approaches.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been among the strongest advocates of state police since assuming office, repeatedly urging the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to accommodate the reform.
The President has argued that strengthening the role of states in security management is essential for combating terrorism, banditry and organised crime.
With a single police force responsible for policing over 200 million people, many experts argue that localised policing is necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Proponents also point to successful models in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany and India, where federal and subnational police agencies coexist.
According to supporters, state police will encourage community-based policing, strengthen intelligence gathering and improve accountability.
They further argue that state governments will be more motivated to invest in security infrastructure if they have direct control over policing operations.
What Happens Next?
Despite its passage by the Senate, the bill must still complete several constitutional processes before becoming law.
The House of Representatives is expected to harmonise its position with that of the Senate where necessary.
Thereafter, the constitutional amendment must secure approval from at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, representing the constitutionally required two-thirds threshold.
If ratified by the states and subsequently assented to by President Tinubu, Nigeria will officially adopt a dual policing system for the first time in its modern democratic history.
