Senate Passes State Police Bill, Expands Governors’ Security Powers

The Senate on Wednesday passed the long-awaited Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, a major milestone in efforts to address the country’s growing security challenges through decentralised policing.

The landmark legislation secured the support of more than two-thirds of senators following a clause-by-clause consideration and a manual voting process conducted during plenary.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage of the bill after lawmakers overwhelmingly endorsed the proposal, which is widely regarded as one of the most significant constitutional reforms of the 10th National Assembly.

The bill was adopted following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, chaired by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.

Under the proposed framework, state police services will operate alongside the existing federal police structure, ending the exclusive control of policing by the Federal Government.

A key provision of the amendment empowers governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by state Houses of Assembly. While the Nigeria Police Force will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each state police command will be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor.

The legislation also outlines the relationship between governors and state police commands, allowing governors to issue lawful policy directives on matters relating to public safety and order within their states.

To address fears that state police could be used for political persecution, the Senate incorporated safeguards aimed at protecting civil liberties and democratic rights.

The bill 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.

Before voting on the measure, senators abandoned plans to use an electronic voting system due to concerns over technical glitches and opted for an open manual voting process to ensure full participation and transparency.

Supporting the move, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele argued that every senator should have an equal opportunity to participate in the historic decision. Akpabio also maintained that open voting would allow Nigerians to know the positions of their representatives on crucial constitutional matters.

The session was witnessed by several top government officials, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The passage of the bill marks a major legislative breakthrough for advocates of state policing, who have long argued that a centrally controlled police system is overstretched and ill-equipped to effectively tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

The proposal will now proceed to the next stages of the constitutional amendment process, including consideration by state Houses of Assembly, before it can become law.