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The House of Representatives has passed the long-debated constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police, marking a significant step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing system. The bill, which was considered during the ongoing constitutional amendment process, received the support of lawmakers amid growing concerns over insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
The proposed legislation seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, thereby granting state governments the constitutional authority to establish and manage their own police formations. The bill also proposes amendments to key sections of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 197, 214, and 215, to provide a legal framework for state-controlled policing while maintaining coordination with federal security institutions. Supporters of the bill argue that locally controlled police forces will improve intelligence gathering, enhance response times, and strengthen community-based security operations.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, one of the leading advocates of the reform, had earlier expressed confidence that the proposal would secure legislative approval, noting that the current centralized policing structure has struggled to effectively address Nigeria’s complex security challenges. The bill has also received backing from President Bola Tinubu, many state governors, and other key stakeholders who believe state police could help tackle security threats more efficiently at the local level.
However, the proposal remains subject to further constitutional procedures before becoming law. Following its passage by the National Assembly, the amendment must still be approved by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Tinubu for assent. While supporters hail the development as a historic breakthrough in Nigeria’s security architecture, critics continue to warn that state police could be abused by governors to intimidate political opponents if adequate safeguards are not built into the system. Despite these concerns, the bill’s passage represents one of the most significant security reforms considered since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
