The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police formations across Nigeria, marking a significant step in the country’s decades-long debate over decentralised policing and security reforms.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police; and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026,” was approved during deliberations by the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The proposed amendment received overwhelming support from lawmakers, with about 288 members voting in favour and only four voting against the measure after presentations by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
If eventually adopted through the remaining constitutional amendment processes, the legislation would formally establish both Federal and State Police structures by amending Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution.
Under the proposal, state governments would be empowered to establish and operate their own police services through laws enacted by their respective State Houses of Assembly.
However, the state police formations would be required to comply with nationally prescribed operational standards and regulations.
The bill also provides guidelines for situations in which the Federal Police may intervene in a state’s internal security matters.
According to the proposed provisions, federal authorities may step in in cases involving a complete breakdown of law and order, when requested by a state governor, or when a state police force becomes incapable of effectively carrying out its responsibilities.
Another key aspect of the amendment addresses the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force.
The proposal stipulates that the Inspector-General of Police would be appointed by the President based on the advice of the National Police Council and selected from among serving officers of the Federal Police, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.
The passage of the bill represents one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture amid persistent challenges including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Supporters of state policing have long argued that decentralising law enforcement would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based policing and enhance response to local security threats.
Opponents, however, have raised concerns about the possibility of abuse by state governments and the politicisation of security agencies at the sub-national level.
Despite clearing this stage in the House of Representatives, the proposal has not yet become law.
The constitutional amendment must still complete other legislative procedures, including concurrence by the Senate and approval by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly, before it can receive presidential assent and take effect.
