By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted the State Police Bill to the Senate, setting in motion what could become one of the most significant constitutional reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of state police services across the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s communication during plenary on Tuesday, after which the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.
The move marks a major step in the long-running national conversation on decentralising policing and granting states greater responsibility in tackling insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
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For years, governors, traditional rulers, security experts and civil society groups have advocated the establishment of state police, arguing that the current centrally controlled policing structure has become overstretched and inadequate in addressing the country’s complex security threats.
Supporters of the proposal believe state police will improve intelligence gathering, facilitate faster response to emergencies and enhance community-based security operations. They contend that localised policing would complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen internal security.
However, the idea has also generated concerns among critics, who fear that state police could be abused by governors and political actors for partisan purposes. They have therefore called for strong constitutional safeguards and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and accountability.
The bill’s transmission to the National Assembly follows months of consultations and renewed calls for comprehensive security reforms amid persistent attacks and criminal activities in various parts of the country.
If eventually passed by the National Assembly and ratified by the required number of state Houses of Assembly, the constitutional amendment would pave the way for the establishment of separate police structures under the control of state governments, working alongside the federal police system.
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Observers say the proposal could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security architecture and redefine the balance of responsibilities between the federal and state governments in maintaining law and order.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the Senate Committee on Constitution Review is expected to commence deliberations on the bill and engage relevant stakeholders before presenting its recommendations to the upper chamber.
