𝗥𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹. 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝗳 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝘄

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant shift in the country’s internal security architecture.

The proposed legislation, which would amend several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, introduces a framework for creating, funding, regulating, and operating state police services alongside the existing federal police structure.

Dual policing structure to operate nationwide

Under the bill, Nigeria would maintain a dual policing system where federal and state police coexist. The federal police would continue to handle national security functions while also supporting state police when necessary.

The reform does not abolish the federal police but restructures responsibilities to allow state-level security agencies with defined jurisdictional authority.

National Assembly to set minimum standards

The bill empowers the National Assembly to set standards for the structure, organisation, administration, and powers of both federal and state police forces.

A state police service can only become operational after a state passes enabling legislation and is certified as meeting national minimum requirements. This is intended to ensure uniform policing standards across the federation.

Governors gain key appointment powers

A major provision of the bill gives state governors authority to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective state police services.

However, such appointments must follow recommendations from the National Police Council and receive confirmation from the State House of Assembly, introducing a layered approval process.

Federal intervention tightly restricted

The bill significantly limits federal interference in state policing operations. Federal authorities would only intervene in exceptional cases, such as:

• Complete breakdown of law and order
• Formal request by a state governor
• Proven inefficiency or failure of a state police service

Any intervention must also receive approval from the National Police Council.

Protection against arbitrary removal of police leadership

The Inspector-General of Police and state Commissioners of Police cannot be removed at will. Removal would require specific grounds such as misconduct, criminal conviction, or incapacity, along with approvals from both legislative and institutional bodies.

Federal grants for state policing

To address funding concerns, the federal government may provide financial grants or assistance to state police services upon recommendation by the National Police Council and approval by the National Assembly.

This provision aims to support poorer states while maintaining operational independence.

State Police Service Commissions introduced

The bill creates State Police Service Commissions responsible for recruitment oversight and discipline of officers below the rank of Assistant Commissioner.

These commissions will include representatives from civil society and professional bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association, labour unions, traditional rulers, and human rights institutions.

Expanded National Police Council

The proposed National Police Council is also expanded to include broader representation, including civil society organisations, labour unions, professional associations, and traditional rulers. The council will oversee both federal and state police structures.

Limited control over firearms and data access

State police forces will be permitted to use light arms and will have regulated access to national biometric, fingerprint, and criminal databases under federal coordination frameworks.

Conclusion

The bill represents one of the most significant policing reforms under consideration in recent years, aiming to decentralise security operations while maintaining federal oversight and national standards.

If fully enacted, it would fundamentally reshape policing in the country, creating a more localised but structured security system under the supervision of the federal and state governments.