The Senate on Wednesday approved a constitutional amendment that would establish state-controlled police forces and give Governors the power to appoint state police chiefs, advancing one of the country’s most consequential security reforms in decades.
The measure, which passed with support from more than two-thirds of senators following a clause-by-clause review and manual vote, seeks to decentralize policing in Nigeria as the government grapples with rising insecurity across several parts of the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the bill’s passage after lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the proposal during plenary.
The chamber first adopted a report from the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, presented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who chairs the panel.
NewsQuest reports that supporters say the reform would improve responses to localized security threats by ending the federal government’s exclusive control over policing.
The proposal would create state police services operating alongside the Nigeria Police Force, which would remain under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police.
Under the bill, State Governors would be empowered to appoint commissioners of police for their states, subject to confirmation by State Houses of Assembly.
State police commissioners would oversee the operations of their respective services while receiving lawful policy directives from governors on matters of public safety and order.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led debate on the measure, described it as a critical step toward strengthening internal security and improving law-enforcement effectiveness at the state level.
Lawmakers also included provisions designed to limit political interference and protect civil liberties.
The legislation bars state police authorities from arresting, detaining, investigating or using force against individuals, political parties or groups solely for criticizing a government, unless such actions are supported by law and due process.
The vote came after senators abandoned an electronic voting system because of technical concerns affecting some devices.
Senate President Akpabio backed a switch to open voting, arguing it would promote transparency by allowing the public to see how lawmakers voted on major constitutional amendments.
Among those present during the proceedings were Governors Uba Sani, Dapo Abiodun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
The State police proposal is widely viewed as one of the most significant constitutional reforms undertaken by the 10th National Assembly.
Before it can become law, the amendment must secure approval from state legislatures and complete other constitutional requirements.
