Decentralising Security: National Assembly Fast-Tracks State Police Reform

By TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN

Executive Push, Legislative Acceleration

NIGERIA may be on the cusp of one of its most consequential security reforms since 1999, as the Senate signals readiness to fast-track constitutional amendments that would pave the way for state police.

The renewed urgency follows a direct appeal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who asked lawmakers to begin formal processes to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow states establish their own policing structures.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed that the upper chamber had already reached “near unanimity” on the proposal even before the President’s latest intervention.

According to him, the National Assembly only slowed broader constitutional review to prioritise amendments to the Electoral Act. With that task completed, attention has now shifted squarely to restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture.

“The President’s appeal aligns with where we already stand,” Adaramodu said, noting that discussions are advancing with cooperation from governors and state assemblies.

Tinubu’s Case: Security Before Prosperity

President Tinubu framed the reform as a practical necessity rather than a political manoeuvre. Speaking during an interfaith engagement with senators at the Presidential Villa, he described Nigeria as “extremely challenged” by terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

“We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” he declared, arguing that without safety, farms, businesses and families cannot thrive.

The President’s renewed advocacy is consistent with his longstanding position on decentralisation, dating back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, when he championed fiscal federalism and devolution of powers.

His administration now appears determined to translate that philosophy into constitutional reform.

The Constitutional Hurdle

Creating state police requires amending the 1999 Constitution, where policing currently sits on the Exclusive Legislative List under federal control — a legacy of military centralisation.

For the amendment to succeed, it must secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and be ratified by at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly.

Encouragingly for proponents, several states have already indicated readiness to support the reform.

In Plateau — one of the regions hardest hit by recurring violence — the House of Assembly has expressed openness. In Borno and Sokoto, lawmakers say they are prepared to deliberate once the federal legislature concludes its process. Kaduna and Zamfara have also signalled political backing.

Supporters: “The Centre Is Overstretched”

Advocates argue that Nigeria’s centralised police force is stretched beyond capacity.

Security analyst Sola Adeyemi contends that many threats — from banditry in the North-West to cult violence in the South-South — are rooted in local dynamics requiring localised intelligence and swift response.

A decentralised model, he suggests, could involve a lean federal police focused on terrorism, interstate crime and cybercrime, complemented by state forces handling community-level security.

Similarly, Prof. Freedom Onuoha of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka argues that quasi-state policing already exists in the form of vigilante groups and regional outfits such as Amotekun and the Anambra Vigilante Service.

“What we are debating,” he suggests, “is formalising what is already happening informally.”

Chief Chekwas Okorie, an elder statesman, welcomed Tinubu’s push, saying Nigeria has become too large and complex for a single command structure to manage effectively.

Socio-political groups such as Afenifere and Yoruba Leaders of Thought insist decentralised policing is long overdue and constitutionally achievable.

Critics: “Reform, But With Safeguards”

Yet opposition remains.

Former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume has cautioned against rushing into new structures when the existing Nigeria Police Force numbers fewer than 400,000 officers for over 200 million citizens.

His argument: expand, train and equip the current force before multiplying command centres.

Dr. Salaudeen Hashim of CLEEN Foundation warns that poorly designed state police could deepen ethnic or religious tensions, particularly in politically polarised states.

He advocates “state policing” as an approach — emphasising community-based collaboration — rather than creating parallel forces that might be captured by governors.

Financial sustainability is another concern. Many states already struggle with wage bills and debt obligations. Establishing fully functional police institutions would require funding for recruitment, training, equipment, detention facilities and oversight mechanisms.

The Safeguard Debate

Proponents acknowledge these risks but insist safeguards can mitigate them.

Kole Omololu of Afenifere argues that constitutional amendments should embed oversight mechanisms, legislative confirmation processes for police leadership and harmonised operational standards aligned with federal frameworks.

Comparative federal systems such as the United States, Germany and Canada, he notes, demonstrate that decentralised policing need not undermine national cohesion.

A phased implementation, beginning with capable states, has also been proposed.

A Defining Moment?

Momentum appears stronger than in previous attempts. With executive backing, legislative alignment and state assemblies signalling readiness, the reform stands closer to reality than at any point in recent history.

If successful, Nigeria would witness a structural rebalancing of its federal system — one that redefines the relationship between centre and states in matters of internal security.

But constitutional courage must be matched by institutional discipline.

State police could enhance intelligence, rebuild community trust and enable faster response times. Or, without robust safeguards, they could entrench political misuse.

The coming weeks will test whether Nigeria’s political class can navigate that fine line.

For now, the Senate’s pledge to accelerate deliberations marks a turning point in a debate that has lingered for decades. Whether it culminates in historic reform depends not just on votes — but on vision.