The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police across Nigeria. This passage marks a significant step in the country's long-running debate over decentralizing policing and addressing insecurity.
Bill Details and Voting
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police; and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026,” was approved during consideration at the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Voting began after Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, presented arguments supporting the proposal and urged lawmakers to back it. The exercise was conducted manually, with members raising their hands. Approximately 288 lawmakers voted in favor, while four voted against.
Proposed Changes to Policing Structure
The amendment seeks to fundamentally restructure policing in Nigeria by creating both Federal and State Police formations. A key provision alters Section 214 of the Constitution to formally establish the Federal Police and State Police. Under the proposal, the National Assembly would be empowered to prescribe the structure, organization, administration, and powers of the Federal Police, while also providing the framework and guidelines for establishing state police services.
Operational Requirements
The bill stipulates that no state police formation shall commence operations unless established through a law passed by the relevant State House of Assembly and certified as meeting national minimum standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. Until a state police force becomes operational, the Federal Police will continue to perform policing functions in that state.
Limiting Federal Interference
The amendment also seeks to limit federal interference in state police operations. Under the proposal, the Federal Police may only intervene in a state's internal security affairs in cases of a complete breakdown of law and order, upon a governor's request, or when a state police force becomes unable to function due to administrative, financial, or other challenges.
Changes to Appointment and Command Structure
The bill proposes significant changes to police appointment and command structures. Under amended Section 215, the Inspector-General of Police would be appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council from among serving members of the Federal Police, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. Similarly, a State Commissioner of Police would be appointed by a governor on the advice of the National Police Council from among serving members of the State Police, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
The proposal empowers governors to issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and order. However, if a commissioner believes such directives are unlawful or inconsistent with accepted policing standards, the matter may be referred to the National Police Council, whose decision would be final.
Other Amendments and Next Steps
The bill also amends Section 84 of the Constitution by replacing references to the “National Police Council and the Federal Police Service Commission” with the “Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission.” However, the proposal still requires approval by the Senate, endorsement by at least two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly, and assent by the President before becoming part of the Constitution.
