The proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria has generated debate beyond the country’s security challenges, with analysts suggesting that the reform could significantly reshape the balance of political power between the federal government and state governors ahead of future elections.
The constitutional amendment bill on state police, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate, was largely discussed around the challenges of insecurity, rising criminal activities and concerns over the ability of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively secure a population of more than 200 million people.
The Senate approved the bill after more than two-thirds of lawmakers supported it through a manual voting process. The House of Representatives had earlier passed the proposal on June 11.
The next stage requires the Senate and House versions to be harmonised, after which the bill will be sent to the 36 state houses of assembly. At least 24 state assemblies must approve the amendment before it can be presented to the President for final assent.
Supporters of state police believe the system will improve security by bringing policing closer to communities, strengthening intelligence gathering and allowing faster responses to crimes.
However, the reform could also transform Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly the relationship between governors and the federal government during elections.
Under the current structure, the Nigeria Police Force is controlled by the federal government. The President appoints the Inspector-General of Police, while state commissioners of police ultimately report to authorities in Abuja.
Although governors are often referred to as chief security officers of their states, they have limited authority over police operations. Many governors have repeatedly complained that they are held responsible for security failures despite lacking direct control over police commands.
The existing arrangement has also given federal administrations significant influence during elections, as police deployment, security operations and enforcement decisions are coordinated from the centre.
The proposed amendment seeks to change this structure by creating state police services and state police service commissions.
Under the proposed framework, state police commands would be headed by commissioners appointed by governors and confirmed by state assemblies. Governors would also have the authority to issue lawful policy directives to state police commissioners on matters relating to public safety and security.
State police service commissions would oversee recruitment, promotions and discipline of officers, while state governments would play a major role in funding and administering the system.
Analysts believe this redistribution of security authority could reduce the influence traditionally enjoyed by the federal government through control of security institutions.
Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, control of federal security agencies has been considered one of the major advantages of the party controlling the centre. The introduction of state police could weaken that advantage by giving governors greater control over security structures within their states.
Opposition governors could become more independent from federal authorities, potentially making their states more resistant to political pressure during elections.
The reform could also increase the political influence of governors, who already control significant state resources, political structures and relationships with state lawmakers. Additional control over security institutions could further strengthen their bargaining power within political parties.
Supporters argue that such changes would deepen Nigeria’s federal system by reducing excessive centralisation and allowing states to manage security issues based on local realities.
However, critics warn that state police could create new risks if governors misuse the institutions to target political opponents, suppress opposition activities or intimidate critics.
Constitutional lawyer Soliu Bakare said state police is a positive development but acknowledged concerns about possible political interference.
He argued that while no system is completely free from abuse, proper constitutional safeguards can reduce potential misuse and allow the structure to function effectively.
If approved and implemented before future elections, state police could significantly alter Nigeria’s political calculations. Federal influence may decline, governors may become more powerful, and political parties may increasingly depend on state leaders for electoral strategies.
The debate over state police, therefore, extends beyond security reforms and could become a defining factor in Nigeria’s political structure and electoral dynamics.
