The National Assembly, ahead of President Bola Tinubu's joint address, passed the State Police bill yesterday, decentralizing Nigeria's security architecture and enabling the 36 states to create their own police forces alongside the federal Nigeria Police Force (NPF). This long-advocated response to heightened security threats comes amid concerns about misuse and funding.
House of Representatives Approves Bill
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the constitutional amendment bill, with 289 members voting in favor, one against, and none abstaining. The debate began after Bashir Usman (Kaduna, ADC) raised concerns over the late circulation of the constitution review report. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled that members were familiar with the issues, proceeding due to the worsening security situation.
Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, moved to suspend relevant rules for immediate consideration, seconded by Minority Leader Frederick Agbedi. Deputy Speaker Dr. Benjamin Kalu presented the report, urging support for the historic reform. Following an electronic voting failure, a manual hand vote showed overwhelming support.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The 18-clause bill alters Sections 214 and 215 of the Constitution to establish both Federal Police and State Police. The National Assembly will prescribe frameworks and standards, while state police become operational only after state laws and national standards certification. A state's police commissioner would be appointed by the governor on the advice of the National Police Council and confirmed by the State House of Assembly. If a governor issues unlawful directives, the commissioner may refer the matter to the National Police Council. Federal intervention is limited to serious breakdowns of law and order, upon governor request, or if state police become unable to function.
Senate Passes Bill Through Second Reading
The Senate passed the State Police Bill through second reading, transferring policing powers from the Exclusive to Concurrent Legislative List. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele argued that a centralized police force is unworkable against terrorism, banditry, and other threats. He emphasized local security effectiveness and safeguards like state police commissions and federal oversight.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno backed the proposal, noting that groups like Amotekun already represent informal state policing. However, Senator Aliero warned of constitutional compliance and suggested manpower expansion over structural overhaul. The bill now moves to committee-level scrutiny.
Complementary Efforts
Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, Chairman of the Nigeria Police Committee on State Police, clarified that the National Assembly's constitutional amendment and the IGP's committee work are complementary. He stressed that constitutional amendment is the first critical step, and significant work remains on operational structures like recruitment, training, and funding.
Concerns Over Private Security
Analyst Angel Folorunso warned against unregulated private security outfits, citing the proposed Iru Ekun network by Sunday Igboho. He noted that private security companies are prohibited from carrying firearms, and armed security remains the responsibility of statutory agencies. Folorunso called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen public security institutions.
Igboho wrote to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, expressing readiness to deploy personnel to public schools after the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The letter requested details of public schools for the proposed security arrangement.
