With the National Assembly approving the constitutional amendment establishing state police, attention has shifted to Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly, whose endorsement will determine whether one of the country’s most ambitious security reforms becomes law amid rising insecurity and intense national debate.
By Baron Eloagu
ABUJA, Nigeria – June 27, 2026
INTRODUCTION
Nigeria’s decades-long debate over the creation of state police has entered its most decisive phase following the approval of the constitutional amendment by both chambers of the National Assembly.
With the Senate joining the House of Representatives in passing the State Police Bill, the political spotlight has now shifted to the country’s 36 State Houses of Assembly, where at least 24 legislatures must approve the proposal before it can be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for presidential assent.
The development marks a significant milestone in what analysts describe as one of the most far-reaching constitutional reforms since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
Supporters argue that decentralising policing is essential to addressing escalating insecurity across the country, while critics warn that without strong constitutional safeguards, state police could become instruments of political persecution.
National Assembly Clears Major Constitutional Reform
The Senate’s approval completes the National Assembly’s legislative consideration of the proposal after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly endorsed the bill with 289 votes on June 11, 2026.
The proposed amendment seeks to alter Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by creating two parallel policing institutions:
- A Federal Police Service; and
- Individual State Police Services for each of Nigeria’s 36 states.
If eventually ratified by at least two-thirds of the state legislatures and signed into law by the President, Nigeria will abandon its more than six-decade-old centralized policing model in favour of a dual policing structure similar to those operating in several federal democracies.
Constitutional lawyers describe the proposal as one of the most significant security reforms ever contemplated under the Fourth Republic.
Pressure Now Rests on State Legislatures
Although the National Assembly has completed its assignment, the constitutional amendment process remains incomplete.
Under Section 9 of the Constitution, constitutional amendments require approval by not less than two-thirds of Nigeria’s State Houses of Assembly.
This means at least 24 of the 36 state legislatures must vote in favour of the proposal before it can become law.
Political observers say the next few months could determine the future of policing in Nigeria as governors, lawmakers and citizens intensify consultations across the federation.
Several civil society organisations have already begun advocacy campaigns urging state lawmakers to prioritise the legislation.
How the State Police Proposal Emerged
The constitutional amendment originated in the House of Representatives in 2024.
It was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, alongside fourteen other lawmakers as part of broader constitutional reform efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s federal system.
Following its second reading in February 2024, the proposal underwent extensive review by the House Committee on Constitution Review before being adopted by the Joint Constitution Review Committee of the National Assembly.
The bill eventually secured overwhelming bipartisan support in both legislative chambers.
Its passage reflects growing consensus among lawmakers that Nigeria’s worsening security situation requires structural reforms beyond conventional military operations.
What the Proposed Law Will Change
If enacted, the constitutional amendment will fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s policing architecture.
Among its major provisions are:
Creation of Federal and State Police Services
Nigeria will operate two constitutionally recognised police organisations working within clearly defined jurisdictions.
The Federal Police Service will retain responsibility for national security, interstate crimes, terrorism, border protection and other federal offences.
State governments, meanwhile, will establish independent State Police Services responsible for internal security within their territories.
Appointment of Police Leadership
The bill proposes that:
- The Inspector-General of Police will continue to be appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council, subject to Senate confirmation.
- Each State Commissioner of Police will be appointed by the state governor based on recommendations from the National Police Council and confirmed by the relevant State House of Assembly.
Supporters argue that legislative confirmation introduces an additional layer of accountability into the appointment process.
Federal Oversight Powers
Despite granting states policing authority, the proposed amendment preserves federal intervention under clearly defined circumstances.
The Federal Police Service may intervene where there is:
- Breakdown of public order;
- Serious threats to national security;
- Abuse of police powers;
- Gross violations of constitutional rights;
- Situations requiring coordinated national response.
Security analysts say these safeguards are intended to prevent fragmentation of Nigeria’s internal security system while preserving national cohesion.
Why the Push for State Police Has Intensified
Nigeria’s security landscape has deteriorated significantly over the past decade.
The country continues to grapple with:
- Terrorism and insurgency;
- Banditry;
- Kidnapping for ransom;
- Farmer-herder conflicts;
- Separatist violence;
- Cultism;
- Armed robbery;
- Communal clashes.
Many security experts believe a centrally controlled police force has become overstretched, limiting its ability to respond rapidly to local threats across Nigeria’s vast territory.
Governors have repeatedly argued that although they are constitutionally regarded as Chief Security Officers of their states, they lack direct operational control over police formations.
The proposed reform seeks to bridge that gap by bringing policing closer to local communities.
Growing Calls for Quick Ratification
Following the Senate’s approval, civil society organisations, professional bodies and regional stakeholders have intensified calls for state assemblies to complete the constitutional process without unnecessary delays.
Advocates insist that decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, enhance rapid response to security threats and improve accountability.
However, many also stress that implementation must be accompanied by strict legal safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure professionalism.
TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2
The next part examines the intense national debate surrounding state police, including reactions from constitutional lawyers, retired security chiefs, civil society organisations, regional leaders and political stakeholders. It also explores whether state police can realistically curb insecurity and the concerns surrounding operational capacity and implementation.
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