The Senate on Wednesday passed a constitutional amendment bill that seeks to establish state police services across Nigeria, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture.
The proposed legislation was approved following the consideration and adoption of its 26 clauses during the Committee of the Whole.
If eventually ratified through the constitutional amendment process, the bill will provide the legal framework for the creation and operation of state-controlled police formations, working alongside the existing federal policing system.
Supporters of the measure argue that state police would enhance community-based policing, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen the capacity of subnational governments to address local security challenges more effectively.
The passage of the bill by the Senate represents a major milestone in the push for decentralised policing and broader security sector reforms in Nigeria.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu transmitted the constitution alteration bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary on Tuesday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
According to the president, the bill is designed to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure in Nigeria, allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police.
He said the proposed amendment is a critical component of ongoing efforts to reorganise the country’s policing system to enhance security and better protect citizens.
He noted that communities, municipalities, and local government areas would play more active roles in policing responsibilities under the new arrangement.
