The Senate is set to begin deliberations this week on a landmark constitutional amendment that could pave the way for the establishment of State Police across Nigeria. The proposal, which has gained increasing support from political leaders and security stakeholders, is being considered as part of broader efforts to address the country’s persistent security challenges.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed that the National Assembly intends to prioritise the State Police amendment during the current legislative session due to its importance in strengthening security at the grassroots level. According to him, there is a growing consensus among Nigerians that decentralising policing powers is necessary to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response to crimes, and community-based security operations.
Bamidele explained that lawmakers may separate the State Police provision from other constitutional amendment proposals to accelerate its passage. The move is expected to ensure that the bill receives focused attention and avoids delays often associated with broader constitutional review processes.
The Senate Leader noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders have expressed support for the initiative. He said consultations have been ongoing among members of the National Assembly, constitutional review committees, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and other key institutions to address concerns and build consensus on the framework for implementation.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the current centralised policing structure has become overstretched in the face of rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes, and other violent crimes affecting various parts of the country. They believe that state-controlled police forces would have better knowledge of local communities, languages, and terrain, enabling faster and more effective responses to security threats.
However, the proposal has also generated debate among legal experts, civil society groups, and political observers. Critics have expressed concerns that State Police could be abused by state governments for political purposes, particularly during elections or periods of political tension. To address these fears, lawmakers are reportedly considering constitutional safeguards, oversight mechanisms, and accountability measures to prevent misuse of state-controlled security agencies.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional amendment process, the bill must secure approval by at least two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly before being transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly. For the amendment to succeed, a minimum of twenty-four state legislatures must endorse the proposal. Once these requirements are met, the bill will be forwarded to the President for assent.
Security analysts say the outcome of the debate could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s security architecture and federal structure. Many believe that if properly implemented, State Police could complement federal security agencies, improve law enforcement efficiency, and enhance the protection of lives and property across the country.
As deliberations begin, Nigerians will be closely watching the National Assembly’s proceedings, with expectations that the proposed reform could mark one of the most significant changes to the nation’s policing system since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
