The Senate has assured Nigerians that the proposed state police system will include strong safeguards to prevent governors from abusing security agencies for political or personal interests.
The assurance came as lawmakers passed the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police Services across the country as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to the Senate, the proposed law contains several constitutional protections designed to ensure state police operate within the law and remain accountable.
“Governors are prohibited from directing state police to target any individual, political party, association or group outside the provisions of the law.”
The legislation seeks to replace Nigeria’s current centralised policing structure with a dual system comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
Under the proposed arrangement, state police will handle local law enforcement, public order and the protection of lives and property within their respective states.
The Federal Police Service will continue to oversee national security matters, terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime and other federal offences.
The Senate explained that concerns over possible misuse of state police influenced the inclusion of strict oversight mechanisms and judicial review provisions in the bill.
“State police will not be allowed to engage in partisan, ethnic, religious or sectional persecution.”
The bill also empowers the Federal Government to intervene in state police operations under specific circumstances, including threats to national security, breakdown of public order or violations of fundamental rights.
Lawmakers argued that Nigeria’s current policing structure has become overstretched and often struggles to effectively tackle local security challenges.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposal as a major constitutional reform aimed at improving security through a decentralised policing framework.
“The bill represents a major institutional reform aimed at addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through a federal policing model.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also described the legislation as a historic step toward strengthening public safety and improving governance.
“The decisions we take today have the potential to shape the future of policing and public safety in Nigeria.”
Following its passage in the Senate, the bill will proceed to the House of Representatives and subsequently to state legislatures for further consideration.
If approved by the required number of state assemblies, it will become one of the most significant constitutional reforms in Nigeria’s security sector.
Source: Nigerian Senate
