The House of Representatives has passed a major constitutional amendment bill aimed at establishing state police across Nigeria, marking a significant proposed change to the country’s security structure.
The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution by creating a legal framework for state police operations while maintaining the existence of the federal police as a national security institution.
Lawmakers said the move is designed to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes that have continued to overwhelm the current policing system.
Under the proposed law, state governors will have the power to appoint commissioners of police in their states, but such appointments must follow recommendations from the National Police Council and receive confirmation from state assemblies.
The bill provides that states must meet minimum standards set by the National Assembly before establishing their police services, covering areas such as training, structure, accountability and operations.
It also limits political interference by ensuring state police formations operate within national guidelines, while preventing arbitrary control by state authorities.
The federal police will remain responsible for nationwide policing duties and may intervene in state security matters during emergencies, breakdown of law and order, or when requested by a governor, subject to approval from the National Police Council.
The proposed amendment restricts routine federal control over state police operations, except in situations clearly defined by law.
Governors will be allowed to issue lawful directives to state police commissioners, but disputes over unlawful instructions can be referred to the National Police Council for final decisions.
At the federal level, the President will continue to appoint the Inspector-General of Police, with approval processes involving the National Police Council and the National Assembly.
The bill introduces stronger protections for police leadership, making the removal of the IGP and state police commissioners subject to specific conditions such as misconduct, conviction or incapacity.
To address funding concerns, the proposal allows the Federal Government to provide grants to support state police operations, especially for states with limited financial capacity.
The bill also expands oversight through a restructured National Police Council involving government officials, legal bodies, professional groups, labour representatives, traditional leaders and retired police officers. It now awaits consideration by the Senate before moving to state assemblies for final constitutional approval.
