State Police Bill Clears NASS With Safeguards Against Governors’ Abuse
State Police Bill Clears National Assembly as Lawmakers Introduce Safeguards Against Abuse
Senate Joins House in Historic Constitutional Reform
NIGERIA has moved closer to establishing state police following the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, by the Senate, completing the National Assembly’s legislative approval of one of the country’s most significant constitutional reforms in decades.
The bill, earlier passed by the House of Representatives, seeks to amend Sections 214, 215 and 216 of the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing structure comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
Its passage marks a major shift from Nigeria’s long-standing centralised policing system, which has remained in place since independence.
Lawmakers Address Longstanding Concerns
For years, calls for state police have been met with resistance over fears that governors could misuse local police commands to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent and influence elections.
To address those concerns, lawmakers incorporated several constitutional safeguards designed to limit executive powers and preserve the operational independence of state police institutions.
Under the proposed framework, governors may issue only lawful written policy directives relating to public safety and public order, while operational decisions remain subject to constitutional and legal limitations.
Commissioners Granted Constitutional Protection
One of the key innovations in the legislation is the protection granted to State Commissioners of Police against arbitrary removal.
The bill provides that governors cannot appoint or dismiss commissioners at will. Appointments must be recommended by the National Police Council and confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
Similarly, removal or suspension can only occur following a recommendation by the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the State House of Assembly.
Lawmakers said the provisions are intended to shield police leadership from political interference.
National Oversight Mechanism Introduced
The legislation also establishes a mechanism for resolving disputes between governors and State Commissioners of Police.
Where a commissioner believes a directive issued by a governor is unlawful, unconstitutional or politically motivated, the matter may be referred to the National Police Council for review.
The Council’s decision would be binding, creating an independent avenue for resolving conflicts while safeguarding policing from partisan influence.
Reform Signals New Security Framework
Supporters of the bill believe the proposed constitutional amendment could strengthen community-based policing, improve security response times and enhance coordination between federal and state authorities.
If eventually ratified by the required number of State Houses of Assembly and signed into law, the legislation would represent one of the most far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s internal security architecture since the return to democratic governance.
