State police bill passed as Senate empowers governors to appoint police commissioners
The Nigerian Senate has passed the State Police Bill, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reform its policing structure and address persistent security challenges through constitutional amendment. The legislation seeks to establish state police services alongside the existing federal police system, subject to further constitutional approval.
One of the key provisions of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective state police services. Under the proposed framework, such appointments would be made on the advice of the National Police Council and would require confirmation by the relevant State House of Assembly. The bill also authorizes governors to issue lawful directives to state police commissioners on matters relating to public safety and security.
To prevent abuse of power, the legislation includes safeguards allowing a state police commissioner to challenge any directive considered unlawful or inconsistent with professional policing standards. In such situations, the matter would be referred to the National Police Council, whose decision would be binding. The proposal also outlines oversight mechanisms intended to preserve professionalism and accountability within the new policing structure.
The bill was approved after clause-by-clause consideration by the Senate during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the constitutional amendment, describing it as a major response to worsening insecurity, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes affecting different parts of the country.
Supporters of the proposal argue that decentralizing policing will improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and enable quicker responses to local security threats. However, some stakeholders have continued to express concerns that state police could be misused for political purposes if adequate constitutional safeguards are not strictly enforced.
Although the Senate’s approval represents a major legislative breakthrough, the proposal has not yet become law. As a constitutional amendment, it must still receive the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted for presidential assent. If the remaining stages are completed successfully, Nigeria will formally adopt a dual federal and state policing system for the first time.
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