Senate Passes State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners

The Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to decentralise policing and address persistent security challenges.

The bill was approved following a clause-by-clause consideration by lawmakers and secured the support of more than two-thirds of senators through a manual voting process conducted during plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the legislation after an overwhelming majority of senators voted in favour of the proposal.

The bill was considered after the Senate adopted the report of the Committee on the Review of the Constitution, presented by the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the committee, Barau Jibrin.

Leading debate on the legislation, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposal as a critical reform designed to strengthen internal security, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance responses to local security threats.

The legislation establishes a dual policing structure that allows state police services to operate alongside the existing federal police system.

One of the major provisions empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by their State Houses of Assembly.

According to Clause 17 of the amendment, while the Nigeria Police Force will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each state police service will be led by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state legislature.

The bill also outlines the operational relationship between governors and state police commands. Under Section 17(6), governors may issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature relating to public safety and order within their states.

To address fears of political interference, lawmakers incorporated safeguards aimed at protecting civil liberties and democratic rights.

Section 17(7) expressly prohibits state police commissioners from arresting, detaining, investigating, or deploying force against any individual, political party, or group solely for criticising the government, except in accordance with the law.

The Senate adopted manual voting after concerns were raised over possible technical issues with electronic voting devices.

The passage of the bill represents one of the most significant constitutional reforms undertaken by the 10th National Assembly. However, the proposal must still secure approval from state Houses of Assembly and complete other constitutional processes before becoming law.

Supporters believe state policing will improve security nationwide, while critics continue to caution against potential abuse by state governments.