Nigeria moved closer to a major security restructuring on Tuesday as the Senate approved the State Police Bill, a constitutional amendment that establishes state police services across the federation while retaining a federal policing system. The landmark decision marks one of the most significant security reforms since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The executive legislation was transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu as part of broader efforts to address insecurity and strengthen grassroots law enforcement.
Once fully enacted, the amendment will replace the long-standing centralized policing arrangement with a dual structure consisting of the Federal Police Service and separate State Police Services operating within each state. The passage followed years of debate over the need for decentralised policing to tackle banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats affecting different parts of the country.
The legislative process experienced an unexpected setback when the Senate’s electronic voting system malfunctioned during proceedings. For more than 30 minutes, engineers worked to restore the system, but lawmakers eventually adopted a manual voting method after a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and support from Minority Leader Abba Moro.
All 88 senators present voted through a show of hands, leading to the successful passage of the State Police Bill. Under the new constitutional framework, no state can establish a police service without first passing enabling legislation through its House of Assembly and obtaining certification that it meets nationally approved standards.
The amendment preserves key federal responsibilities, granting the Federal Police Service exclusive jurisdiction over terrorism, cybercrime, arms trafficking, interstate crimes, international criminal networks, federal institutions and the Federal Capital Territory. State police formations will focus on local public safety and community policing but will be prohibited from operating outside their respective states unless authorised by federal legislation.
To address concerns that governors could misuse state police for political purposes, the legislation introduces multiple oversight measures.
The bill empowers the President to temporarily assume control of a state police service under specific conditions, including a breakdown of public order, operational incapacity or evidence of serious human rights violations and political intimidation. Any federal intervention must be documented in writing, communicated to relevant authorities within 48 hours and remain subject to legislative approval and judicial review. The amendment also provides security of tenure for police leadership.
While the President will appoint the Inspector-General of Police subject to Senate confirmation, governors will appoint State Commissioners of Police based on recommendations from the National Police Council and approval by state legislatures. Removal from office can only occur through due process and legislative approval.
Leading debate on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the existing centralised policing structure had become overstretched and unable to effectively respond to local security challenges. According to him, the new arrangement aligns with federal principles by giving states greater responsibility in maintaining security while strengthening intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.
The historic session attracted several prominent political figures, including Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and several state Attorneys-General.
With Senate approval secured, the State Police Bill represents a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture. Supporters believe the reform could improve local security management and intelligence gathering, while the constitutional safeguards are designed to prevent abuse and preserve national cohesion as the country moves toward a decentralised policing system.
