Legislature
LEAD DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (ALTERATION) (STATE POLICE) BILL, 2026
Sponsor: Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON (Ekiti Central – Leader of the Senate)
Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, I rise to respectfully lead the debate on the general principles of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026.
This Bill represents one of the most significant constitutional reforms in our nation’s democratic evolution. It addresses a long-standing national conversation on the structure, effectiveness, responsiveness and sustainability of policing in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, the framers of the 1999 Constitution established a single and centrally controlled police force for the Federation. While that arrangement may have served the country at a particular stage of our national existence, the realities of contemporary Nigeria have exposed significant challenges associated with a centralized policing architecture.
It a common knowledge that Nigeria is a vast Federation, comprising of Thirty-Six (36) States and the Federal Capital Territory with diverse cultures, languages, geographical terrains, security dynamics and socio-economic conditions. The increasing complexity of security threats, which include terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, cybercrime, organised criminal networks and other transnational crimes, have placed enormous pressure on the existing policing framework.
The present structure often limits the ability of local authorities to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges within their jurisdictions. Consequently, there has been a growing national consensus among stakeholders, including State Governments, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, security experts and notable scholars, on the need to decentralise policing, while also preserving national unity and security coordination.
OBJECTIVES OF THE BILL
The principal objective of this Bill is to establish a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of State Police Services while retaining a strong Federal Police Service and maintaining national standards, accountability and oversight. Specifically, the Bill seeks to:
retain a Federal Police Service for federal policing responsibilities;
establish State Police Services for States that choose to create them;
provide constitutional safeguards against abuse and political manipulation;
create independent State Police Service Commissions;
establish national minimum policing standards;
promote cooperation between federal and state policing institutions;
protect fundamental human rights and civil liberties; and
create mechanisms for federal intervention in exceptional circumstances where public safety or national security is threatened.
SALIENT PROVISIONS OF THE BILL
Establishment of Federal and State Police Services
The Bill replaces the existing constitutional provision establishing the Nigeria Police Force and creates:
a Federal Police Service for the Federation; and
a State Police Service for each State that elects to establish one through legislation of its House of Assembly.
It should also be noted that no State Police Service can commence operations unless it has been duly established by State law and certified as meeting national minimum standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.
Preservation of Federal Policing Powers
The Bill does not abolish or weaken federal policing. Rather, it clearly assigns federal policing responsibilities to the Federal Police Service, including:
protection of federal institutions;
policing of the Federal Capital Territory;
counter-terrorism;
organised crime;
cybercrime;
border security;
arms trafficking;
inter-state criminal activities; and
other national security matters.
Clear Jurisdiction for State Police
State Police Services shall be responsible for:
enforcement of State laws;
maintenance of public safety and public order;
prevention and detection of crimes within their jurisdiction;
protection of lives and property; and
other local policing responsibilities.
Constitutional Safeguards Against Abuse
One of the major concerns expressed regarding the establishment of State Police is the potential for political abuse by State Governments. This Bill directly addresses that concern by prohibiting any Governor from directing a State Police Service to target specific persons, political parties, groups or associations unlawfully. The Bill also expressly prohibits the use of police powers for partisan, ethnic, religious, sectional or personal purposes.
National Minimum Standards
The Bill empowers the National Assembly to prescribe national minimum standards relating to: Recruitment; Training; Vetting; Promotions; Discipline; Use of force; Firearms; Complaints procedures; Accountability; Data management; and Professional conduct. These minimum standards will ensure that State Police Services remain professional, accountable and compliant with national standards.
Federal Intervention Powers
The Bill creates carefully regulated mechanisms for federal intervention where:
there is a breakdown of public order;
a State Police Service becomes incapable of functioning;
there are serious abuses of fundamental rights;
there is partisan or electoral intimidation; or
National security is threatened.
It is instructive to state that such intervention must be:
authorized in writing by the President;
limited in scope and duration;
subject to Senate oversight; and
open to judicial review.
BENEFITS OF THE BILL
Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, this Bill offers numerous advantages in the following areas:
Improved Community Policing: Security is most effective when law enforcement personnel understand local communities, languages, customs and terrain. State Police Services will strengthen intelligence gathering and community engagement;
Faster Response to Security Threats: Local policing institutions can respond more rapidly to emergencies, criminal activities and public safety concerns;
Decongestion of Federal Security Responsibilities: The Federal Police Service will be better positioned to focus on complex federal crimes and national security challenges;
Strengthening Federalism: The Bill advances the principles of true federalism by aligning policing responsibilities with the constitutional distribution of governmental powers;
Enhanced Accountability: The creation of independent State Police Service Commissions provides an institutional mechanism for recruitment, discipline, promotion and oversight, thereby reducing opportunities for arbitrary control.
CONCLUSION
Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, this Bill is not merely a security reform; it is a constitutional response to the evolving realities of our nation. It seeks to balance local policing autonomy with national cohesion, accountability with operational effectiveness and federal oversight with state responsibility. The Bill provides robust safeguards against abuse, preserves federal authority where necessary, protects constitutional rights and creates a modern policing framework capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
On this note, I therefore urge you, my Distinguished Colleagues to support this landmark constitutional alteration and allow it to proceed to the next legislative stage for further consideration.
Thank you.
