President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the Senate seeking an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police across the country.
The proposed legislation seeks to decentralise policing by allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Legislative sources said the bill had been received by the Senate and was expected to be listed for first reading in the coming legislative sessions.
If passed, the bill would mark a major shift in Nigeria’s security framework, which has remained under the exclusive control of the Federal Government since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
The proposal comes amid renewed calls for state police as insecurity persists in several parts of the country.
Supporters of the initiative have argued that decentralised policing would strengthen intelligence gathering, improve community policing and enhance responses to local security challenges.
However, opponents have raised concerns over the possible abuse of state police by governors and political actors, warning that state-controlled security outfits could be used against political opponents.
As a constitutional amendment, the bill must secure the support of at least two-thirds of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives before being transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The proposal must also receive the approval of no fewer than 24 state assemblies before it can be presented to the President for assent.
If enacted, the legislation would create a multi-tier policing system, with federal and state police agencies operating within constitutionally defined jurisdictions.
The Senate is expected to subject the bill to public hearings and stakeholder consultations as lawmakers begin consideration of what could become one of Nigeria’s most significant security reforms in recent years.
