Nigeria took a significant step toward overhauling its security architecture on Wednesday as the Senate passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police, a reform supporters believe could transform the fight against insecurity across the country.
The legislation, which secured the backing of more than two-thirds of senators after a clause-by-clause consideration, would allow states to operate their own police services alongside the existing federal police structure.
A key provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by state Houses of Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the bill following an overwhelming vote by lawmakers during plenary.
The bill was adopted after the Senate considered a report presented by Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Barau Jibrin.
Leading debate on the proposal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described state policing as a critical reform designed to strengthen internal security, improve local intelligence gathering and enhance responses to emerging threats.
Under the proposed framework, the Federal Police Service will remain under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, while each State Police Service will be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state legislature.
The legislation also defines the relationship between governors and state police commands, allowing governors to issue lawful written directives on matters relating to public safety and public order within their states.
To address longstanding concerns about potential abuse, lawmakers included safeguards aimed at protecting political freedoms and civil liberties.
The bill expressly states that a state Commissioner of Police cannot arrest, detain, investigate or deploy force against any individual, political party or group solely for criticising the government except in accordance with the law.
The provision seeks to prevent the use of state police against political opponents, journalists, activists and dissenting voices while ensuring adherence to due process.
The Senate’s decision followed the abandonment of plans to use an electronic voting system after concerns that technical glitches could disenfranchise lawmakers.
Instead, senators adopted an open manual voting process, with members publicly declaring their positions on the constitutional amendment.
Supporting the move, Akpabio said transparency required Nigerians to know where their representatives stood on critical national issues.
Several prominent government officials, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, witnessed the historic proceedings.
If eventually approved by state Houses of Assembly and other constitutional processes, the reform is expected to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s policing system.
Advocates have long argued that a centrally controlled police force is overstretched and unable to effectively tackle kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal violence and other security challenges confronting communities across the country.
While critics remain concerned about possible political interference, supporters view the Senate’s approval as one of the most consequential constitutional reforms in recent years and a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for a more responsive and community-driven policing system.
