The Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria, marking a significant step toward decentralising the country’s policing system.
The legislation, approved during plenary on Wednesday, provides a legal framework for the creation and operation of state police alongside the existing federal police structure.
According to the bill, Nigeria will operate a dual policing system consisting of a Federal Police Service and separate State Police Services.
“The bill provides a constitutional framework for the establishment of state police nationwide.”
Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police Service will handle national security matters, federal offences, interstate crimes and security within the Federal Capital Territory.
State police services will be responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and enforcing laws within their respective states.
The legislation also outlines procedures for the appointment, discipline and oversight of police leadership at both federal and state levels.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded the bill to the National Assembly as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and address growing security challenges.
Following consideration of the proposal, senators voted in support of the bill, paving the way for one of the most significant security reforms in recent years.
The move is expected to generate further debate as stakeholders assess its potential impact on policing, public safety and governance across the country.
Source: Nigerian Senate
