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Nigeria's Senate has approved a bill that would allow states to establish their own police forces, a move that could fundamentally reshape the country's security architecture. The proposed constitutional amendment, which passed its second reading in the Senate on Wednesday, seeks to decentralize the police force, which is currently controlled by the federal government. Under the new framework, state police forces would operate alongside the federal police, which would retain responsibility for national security issues such as counterterrorism, border patrol, and organized crime.
Coverage Comparison
The bill, championed by President Bola Tinubu and transmitted to the National Assembly by the executive, has been described by Africa News as a major reform that could reshape the policing structure of the conflict-racked nation. The outlet noted that the legislation enjoys bipartisan support and has long been considered a solution to the country's escalating insecurity crisis, which has been worsening under Tinubu's tenure, with militant groups operating in southern regions and mass kidnappings prompting calls for decentralized policing.
AllAfrica's reporting has focused on the bill's legislative progress and its intended effects. One report detailed that the bill passed its second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further scrutiny, including public hearings. Another report highlighted that the Senate had to reconvene for an emergency session after failing to muster the required two-thirds majority quorum before the recent recess. A third AllAfrica report characterized the bill as potentially the most far-reaching restructuring of Nigeria's internal security architecture since the return to democratic rule in 1999, empowering states to operate their own police services while retaining a Federal Police Service for overarching national security duties.
Key Claims
- The Senate passed the bill on its second reading via a voice vote, with a majority of senators supporting it, according to a report that also noted the bill was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
- The proposed legislation would move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing both federal and state governments to exercise policing powers.
- The bill would establish State Police Service Commissions to regulate recruitment, training, and oversight of personnel, serving as a safeguard against political interference, as explained by Senate Leader Bamidele during the debate.
- The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for further legislative scrutiny, including public hearings.
- The Senate had to reconvene for an emergency plenary session after a quorum shortfall stalled the process before the recess, as reported by AllAfrica. The required two-thirds majority of the 109 senators was not achieved initially.
- The presidency has indicated that deliberations on state police have been ongoing for several months, with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila stating that "reasonable progress" had been made and that a constitutional amendment is expected shortly.
- The proposed framework would establish a National State Police Commission, as outlined in the presidency's consultations.
- The bill, referred to as the State Police Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, according to an AllAfrica report that also noted it was transmitted by President Tinubu.
Perspectives
Presidency/Executive: The presidency, through Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed confidence in the progress toward establishing state police, emphasizing that the process requires careful consideration of constitutional and legal issues. Gbajabiamila stated that the debate has shifted from whether state police should be established to how to create the appropriate legal and institutional framework. He highlighted broad national support for the initiative.
Senate Leadership: Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele have championed the bill, with Bamidele arguing that state police would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen Nigeria's security architecture. He also addressed concerns about potential abuse by governors, pointing to the State Police Commissions as an institutional safeguard.
Opposing Senators: During the plenary session, some senators opposed a procedural motion to allow non-members into the chamber to witness deliberations, insisting on adherence to parliamentary procedures. This indicates a degree of dissent within the Senate regarding the handling of the bill's passage.