The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday advanced the move towards state policing by passing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026.
While most Nigerians agree that the establishment of State Police in Nigeria is long overdue, there have been concerns about its effectiveness and possible abuse by state governors.
The bill, which was sent to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu, was expedited, just like every other bill from the executive since the inception of this administration.
Also central to the proposed constitutional amendment is the reformed Federal Police Service that would take the place of the Nigeria Police Force.
While the bill grants states the constitutional power to create and manage their own police services, it also retains considerable emergency intervention powers for the Federal Government.
According to Section 214 of the proposed legislation, the Federal Police Service would maintain the authority to intervene in a state’s internal security matters under certain conditions.
These include an actual or imminent breakdown of public order, the ineffectiveness of a state police service, threats to national security, or indications of serious human rights violations, partisan intimidation, or unlawful actions by state policing authorities.
The legislation allows the Federal Police Service to temporarily take operational control of a state police service or any portion thereof, contingent upon presidential approval, Senate oversight, and judicial review.
During the debate on the bill, Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele characterized the proposal as one of the most significant constitutional reforms in Nigeria’s
