State Police Bill Gains Momentum as States Prepare for Final Approval
Support for the proposed State Police Bill continues to grow after the Senate approved the constitutional amendment, with governors, state lawmakers and political groups expressing confidence that the reform will strengthen Nigeria's security architecture. The bill now requires approval from at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Among those backing the proposal are the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, the Forum of Progressive Speakers, the Labour Party and governors of several states, who argue that decentralised policing will improve responses to insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Governors and lawmakers in Benue, Bayelsa, Plateau, Ondo, Gombe, Kano and Akwa Ibom have either endorsed the proposal or pledged to subject it to detailed legislative scrutiny before voting. Supporters say state police will enhance intelligence gathering, improve community policing and enable quicker responses to local security threats. They also point to safeguards in the bill designed to prevent political abuse, including restrictions on governors issuing unlawful operational directives and provisions allowing federal intervention where public order or human rights are threatened. However, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has rejected the proposal, arguing that the current administration lacks the credibility to oversee such a significant restructuring of the country's policing system.
If eventually adopted, the amendment will establish a dual policing structure, allowing states to operate their own police services while the Federal Police Service retains responsibility for national security matters, including terrorism, border protection, organised crime and cybercrime. The proposal also expands the National Police Council to include representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress, National Human Rights Commission and all state attorneys-general to strengthen oversight and accountability.
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