House Passes Landmark State Police Bill, Moves To Decentralise Nigeria’s Policing System

House Passes Landmark State Police Bill, Moves to Decentralise Nigeria’s Policing System The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police Services, marking the most significant legislative step yet towards decentralising Nigeria’s policing system after years of national debate over security reforms. The bill, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration State Police Bill, 2026, secured the constitutionally required two-thirds majority during consideration by the Committee of the Whole. It follows a proposal transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture. Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, described the legislation as a landmark reform aimed at bringing policing closer to communities, improving intelligence gathering, strengthening community policing, and enabling faster responses to security threats. He noted that the amendment only provides the constitutional foundation for state police, while operational details such as recruitment, funding, training, accountability, and coordination will be addressed through subsequent legislation.

The proposed amendment introduces a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. It also contains safeguards designed to limit political interference, including provisions for direct funding of state police, independent oversight mechanisms, and strict conditions under which the Federal Government may intervene in state policing matters. Vigilante groups will not automatically become state police formations under the new framework. Despite the bill’s passage, proceedings were overshadowed by a walkout staged by minority lawmakers, who alleged that constitutional procedures and House rules were breached during its consideration. While expressing support for the concept of state police, the opposition insisted that due legislative process must be followed. House leadership, however, defended the procedure, maintaining that all constitutional requirements for passage had been met. The legislation represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s long-running push for policing reform amid worsening insecurity. However, the constitutional amendment must still be approved by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be presented to the President for assent and become law.