The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a major step in the long running debate over decentralised policing and internal security reforms.
The bill, passed on Thursday, seeks to alter key provisions of the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment, funding, regulation and operation of state police services across the federation.
Under the proposal, state police will operate alongside the existing federal police structure. This means the Nigeria Police Force will remain a national institution, while states that meet the required constitutional and legal conditions will be allowed to establish their own police services.
One of the major highlights of the bill is the power granted to governors to appoint state commissioners of police. Under the proposed amendment, a state police service will be headed by a commissioner of police appointed by the governor on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
The bill also allows governors to issue lawful directives to state commissioners of police on matters relating to public safety, security and the maintenance of law and order within their states.
However, the proposal introduces checks to prevent political abuse. Where a commissioner of police considers a directive unlawful or inconsistent with accepted policing standards, the matter may be referred to the Nigeria Police Council, whose decision will be final.
The bill further provides for the creation of State Police Service Commissions. These bodies will play key roles in the appointment, discipline and regulation of officers within state police services, subject to standards prescribed under the constitution and relevant laws.
Another key provision limits federal interference in state policing. Under the proposed framework, the federal police will not interfere in the operations or internal security affairs of a state except under specific conditions. These include a complete breakdown of law and order, a formal request by the governor, or a situation where a state police service becomes ineffective due to administrative or financial challenges.
Even in such cases, federal intervention must receive the approval of the Nigeria Police Council.
The bill also recognises the financial burden that may come with running state police services. It provides that the Federal Government may give grants or aid to state police on the recommendation of the Nigeria Police Council and subject to approval by the National Assembly.
This provision is expected to support states with weaker revenue bases and help create minimum operational standards across the federation.
The National Assembly will also have the power to prescribe the structure, organisation, administration and powers of the federal police, as well as guidelines for the establishment of state police.
This means no state police service will become operational simply because a state government desires it. A State House of Assembly must first pass a law establishing the service, and the service must meet national minimum standards before it can begin operations.
The Inspector General of Police will continue to head the federal police. Under the proposed amendment, the President will appoint the Inspector General of Police on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council and subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.
The bill comes amid renewed calls for security reform in Nigeria, following persistent attacks, kidnappings, communal conflicts, banditry and other violent crimes across different regions of the country.
Supporters of state police argue that decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering, response time and community based security management. They believe officers recruited and deployed within familiar environments will better understand local languages, terrain and security patterns.
Critics, however, have warned that state police could be misused by governors against political opponents, minority groups or dissenting voices. Others have raised concerns over funding, professionalism, coordination and possible abuse of power.
With its passage in the House of Representatives, the bill has crossed a major legislative hurdle. However, it is not yet law. As a constitutional amendment bill, it must still secure the required support from the Senate and at least two thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can take effect.
If finally approved, the bill will mark one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s policing structure since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
