The Senate has defended the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, insisting that the proposed constitutional amendment is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges and not driven by political interests.
The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives on June 11, 2026, and by the Senate on June 24, 2026, seeks to introduce a dual policing system, allowing both the Federal Government and state governments to operate separate police services.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Office of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the proposed reform as a response to the country’s security realities, saying it emerged from broad consultations with stakeholders across Nigeria.
“The State Police Bill is a child of necessity, not political expediency. It is the product of national consensus and years of consultations,” Bamidele said.
According to him, the proposal originated from memoranda submitted during the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution and was subjected to extensive consultations involving the Presidency, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, the Nigeria Police Force, and other critical stakeholders.
He noted that public hearings held across the country’s six geopolitical zones in July 2025 recorded overwhelming support for the establishment of state police.
Bamidele also disclosed that recommendations from the Nigeria Police were incorporated into the bill to strengthen accountability and oversight, with safeguards designed to prevent abuse by political office holders.
He added that the bill enjoyed bipartisan support in the National Assembly, revealing that 84 out of 109 senators voted in favour of the proposal during clause-by-clause consideration.
The Senate Leader stressed that national security should rise above partisan politics, urging opposition parties to contribute ideas that would strengthen peace and improve public safety rather than politicising security reforms.
What The Bill Proposes
If eventually ratified, the constitutional amendment will establish a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services.
Under the proposal, the Federal Police will continue to handle national security, terrorism, cybercrime and interstate offences, while state police will be responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective states.
The bill also includes safeguards to reduce political interference. State Governors will appoint Commissioners of Police, but such appointments must be confirmed by the State House of Assembly. Any removal will require the recommendation of the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the state legislature.
In addition, every state will establish a State Police Service Commission to oversee recruitment, promotions and disciplinary matters.
The proposed amendment has now been transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, where it must receive the approval of at least 24 state legislatures before it can be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for presidential assent.
