Momentum is building in Nigeria’s National Assembly over a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish state police alongside the existing federal policing structure, in what could become one of the country’s most significant security reforms since 1999.
The House of Representatives has already passed the bill, while the Senate has advanced it through second reading, signalling growing legislative support for restructuring the national security architecture.
Former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and ex-Minister of Water Resources, Mukhtari Shagari, has joined calls for urgent passage of the reform, warning that delays could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
The proposed amendment seeks to create two distinct policing systems — a Federal Police and separate State Police services — each with clearly defined powers, responsibilities, and oversight structures.
Under the plan, state governments would be allowed to establish their own police forces through state legislation, subject to national standards set by the National Assembly before they can begin operations.
The Federal Police would retain responsibility for national security and federal law enforcement, while state police would handle internal security within their respective states.
The bill also introduces strict safeguards, including limits on federal intervention in state policing except in extreme situations such as breakdown of law and order or at the request of a state governor, subject to approval by the National Police Council.
It further proposes new appointment and removal processes for top police officials, requiring legislative approval and recommendations from oversight bodies to ensure accountability.
To support implementation, the federal government may provide financial assistance to states for policing, subject to approval and regulatory oversight.
The reform also includes the creation of a strengthened National Police Council and State Police Service Commissions to oversee recruitment, discipline, training, and coordination between federal and state security agencies.
Supporters argue that decentralising policing will improve responsiveness to local security challenges, while critics warn of risks such as political misuse and funding difficulties.
If approved by the required legislative and state-level majorities, the amendment would significantly reshape Nigeria’s policing system and internal security framework.
