The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police services across the country, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s long-running efforts to reform its security architecture.
The bill secured the support of more than two-thirds of senators following a clause-by-clause consideration and manual voting process during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The legislation, which was presented through the report of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, seeks to create a state policing framework that will operate alongside the existing federal police system.
Governors to Appoint State Police Commissioners
One of the key provisions empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by state Houses of Assembly.
Under the proposed amendment, the Federal Police Service will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, while each state police command will be led by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and approved by the state legislature.
The bill also grants governors authority to issue lawful written directives on public safety and public order matters within their states.
Safeguards Against Abuse
To address longstanding concerns that state police could be used as political tools, lawmakers included provisions aimed at protecting civil liberties and political freedoms.
The legislation specifically prohibits state police commissioners from arresting, detaining, investigating or deploying force against individuals, political parties or groups solely for criticising government actions, except where such actions are carried out in accordance with the law.
The provision is intended to protect journalists, activists, opposition politicians and other citizens from potential abuse of state-controlled security agencies.
What Happens Next?
Although the Senate’s approval represents a major legislative breakthrough, the proposal has not yet become law.
As a constitutional amendment, the bill must still receive approval from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s state Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to the next stages required for implementation.
If eventually enacted, state police services would operate alongside the federal police structure, potentially transforming how Nigeria responds to challenges such as banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other security threats.
The Senate’s passage of the bill brings Nigeria closer than ever to establishing a dual policing system and represents one of the most consequential constitutional reforms undertaken by the 10th National Assembly.
