President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a decisive step toward restructuring Nigeria\u2019s security architecture, formally transmitting a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police across the federation.<\/p>\n
The proposed legislation, read during Tuesday\u2019s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeks to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to create a constitutional framework for state-controlled police services, a reform long advocated by state governors, security experts and federalism proponents.<\/p>\n
Akpabio informed lawmakers that the Senate would commence consideration of the bill on Wednesday, June 24, describing the proposal as one of the most significant constitutional reforms before the 10th National Assembly.<\/p>\n
The presidential initiative marks the clearest indication yet of Tinubu\u2019s determination to decentralise policing powers in response to the country’s worsening security challenges. In a letter to the Senate, the President urged lawmakers to expedite action on the bill, arguing that the country\u2019s current security realities require a more responsive and locally driven policing structure.<\/p>\n
For years, Tinubu has maintained that a centrally controlled police force is increasingly overstretched in a nation of more than 220 million people facing multiple security threats across diverse geographical and cultural environments. Earlier this year, he publicly appealed to the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to accommodate state police, describing the reform as essential to combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.<\/p>\n
The renewed push comes amid persistent insecurity in several parts of the country, including bandit attacks in the North-West, kidnappings along major highways, communal conflicts, and farmer-herder clashes. Supporters of state policing argue that locally recruited and managed police officers would possess better knowledge of their communities, improve intelligence gathering, and respond more rapidly to emerging threats.<\/p>\n
The executive bill arrives at a time when both chambers of the National Assembly are already engaged in constitutional review processes aimed at devolving more powers to the states. The House of Representatives recently passed a constitutional amendment bill providing for the establishment of state police, while the Senate has advanced similar proposals through its constitutional review mechanism.<\/p>\n
According to details emerging from previous legislative deliberations, the proposed framework would establish a dual policing system in which federal and state police forces operate concurrently, with clearly defined jurisdictions and oversight mechanisms. The reform package is also expected to provide for State Police Service Commissions, recruitment standards, accountability structures, and procedures for federal intervention in exceptional circumstances.<\/p>\n
However, the proposal continues to generate debate across political and legal circles.<\/p>\n
While governors and advocates of true federalism have long demanded greater control over internal security, critics warn that state police could be abused by powerful governors to suppress political opponents, influence elections, or intimidate dissenting voices. Concerns have also been raised about funding sustainability, operational standards and the need for strong institutional safeguards to prevent misuse.<\/p>\n
To address such fears, lawmakers involved in the constitutional review process have indicated that the proposed legislation contains provisions aimed at ensuring professional independence, legislative oversight, uniform policing standards and mechanisms for resolving disputes between state authorities and police leadership.<\/p>\n
If approved by the National Assembly, the constitutional amendment must secure the endorsement of at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly before returning to the federal legislature for final certification and presidential assent, in line with constitutional requirements for altering the nation\u2019s supreme law.<\/p>\n
The proposal has been described as one of the most consequential governance reforms since Nigeria\u2019s return to democratic rule in 1999. Proponents argue that its outcome could fundamentally reshape the country\u2019s security framework and redefine the balance of power between the federal government and the states.<\/p>\n
As senators begin debate on the executive bill, attention is expected to focus on critical issues including recruitment procedures, command structures, funding obligations, accountability mechanisms and the extent of governors\u2019 influence over state police operations.<\/p>\n
Should the amendment eventually pass all constitutional hurdles, Nigeria would join many federal systems around the world – including the United States, India and South Africa – where sub-national policing structures operate alongside national law enforcement agencies, potentially ushering in a new era of decentralised security management.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
More Reports:<\/strong><\/p>\n COMPLIMENTS.<\/p>\n Please read trending reports on Everyday.ng<\/p>\n El-Rufai Seeks No-Case Submission as DSS Closes Phone-Tapping Trial<\/p>\n El-Rufai Seeks No-Case Submission as DSS Closes Phone-Tapping Trial<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n