Nigeria’s push to establish state police has recorded a major breakthrough as the Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, alongside state governors, the Labour Party, and the Forum of APC Speakers, have thrown their weight behind the proposed constitutional amendment. The widespread endorsement comes just a day after the Senate passed the State Police Bill, setting the stage for what is expected to be the final and most crucial phase of the legislative process.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional amendment procedure, the bill must now secure approval from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for presidential assent. The next few weeks are therefore expected to determine whether the long debated proposal finally becomes part of the nation’s constitution.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that the bill will receive thorough and diligent consideration. The Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, reaffirmed the conference’s longstanding support for state policing, arguing that community based policing would significantly improve security, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to local threats. He stressed that security challenges differ across states and require policing systems that understand local terrain and peculiar circumstances. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Momentum has already begun to build across several states. In Kano, the State House of Assembly quickly convened a stakeholders’ meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to examine the implications of the proposed amendment and begin discussions on its implementation should it receive final approval.
The Labour Party also endorsed the proposal, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for a more effective and responsive security architecture. While acknowledging concerns that some governors could potentially misuse state police formations, the party maintained that the constitutional safeguards built into the amendment are designed to prevent abuse and ensure accountability. It urged governors and lawmakers across the country to support the bill in the interest of national security.
Among the safeguards included in the proposed law are provisions that limit the removal or suspension of a State Commissioner of Police, require oversight by the National Police Council, and subject certain decisions to approval by a two thirds majority of the affected State House of Assembly. The bill also outlines strict conditions under which the Federal Government can intervene in state policing operations, including presidential authorisation, notification of key institutions within 48 hours, Senate oversight for extended interventions, and judicial review.
If eventually adopted, the legislation will introduce a dual policing structure in Nigeria. The Federal Police Service will retain responsibility for terrorism, cybercrime, border security, organised crime, arms trafficking, and the protection of federal institutions, while State Police Services will handle enforcement of state laws, maintenance of public order, protection of lives and property, and other community based policing responsibilities. However, no state police service can commence operations until the respective state passes its own enabling law and satisfies national minimum standards prescribed by the National Assembly.
The growing support for the bill reflects increasing calls for decentralised policing as Nigeria continues to battle insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence. With endorsements now coming from governors, lawmakers, and major political stakeholders, attention has shifted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, whose decisions will ultimately determine whether the long anticipated state police system becomes a reality.
