Nigeria’s proposed state police framework has taken a major step towards redefining law enforcement across the country by clearly outlining where the authority of the Federal Police ends and that of State Police begins.
The constitutional amendment bill, recently passed by the National Assembly and currently awaiting approval from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, seeks to replace the existing single policing structure with two constitutionally recognised law enforcement bodies: the Federal Police and individual State Police Services. The proposal is designed to decentralise policing while maintaining national standards and oversight.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police will remain responsible for maintaining public security and order across the federation on matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government. It will also retain full authority within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where no State Police will be permitted to operate. The bill further provides that until a state establishes and certifies its own police service, the Federal Police will continue to carry out all policing responsibilities in that state. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
For any state to establish its own police force, the State House of Assembly must first pass a law creating the agency. The proposed State Police must also be certified as meeting national minimum operational standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly before it can begin operations. This requirement is intended to ensure professionalism, accountability and uniform minimum standards across the country.
Once a State Police becomes operational, the Federal Police will generally be prohibited from interfering in the internal security affairs of that state. However, the bill provides limited exceptions where federal intervention may occur. These include situations involving a complete breakdown of law and order that overwhelms the State Police, when a state governor formally requests federal assistance, or when a State Police becomes unable to function because of administrative, financial or other serious challenges. Any such intervention must first receive approval from the National Police Council.
The proposed legislation also establishes separate leadership structures for both police services. The Federal Police will continue to be headed by the Inspector General of Police, appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Assembly, while each State Police will be led by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the respective State House of Assembly. The bill also proposes federal grants to support state policing and creates oversight institutions to coordinate standards, appointments and discipline across both systems.
Supporters of the reform argue that decentralising policing will improve response to local security challenges by allowing officers who understand their communities, languages and terrain to play a greater role in maintaining peace. However, critics have expressed concerns about funding, possible political interference by state governors and the risk of abuse if adequate safeguards are not effectively enforced. These issues continue to fuel national debate as the proposed constitutional amendment moves through the ratification process.
