Tinubu transmits State Police Bill to Senate as govs push for greater security powers

President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the proposed State Police Bill to the Senate, setting in motion what could become one of the most far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture since the return to democratic rule.

The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police services across the federation, a move advocates believe will strengthen security management and bring policing closer to local communities.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the President’s letter during plenary on Tuesday, assured Nigerians that adequate safeguards would be built into the proposed law to prevent abuse of state police formations by governors and other political office holders.

According to Akpabio, accountability mechanisms will be central to the new policing structure to ensure that decentralised policing does not become a tool for political intimidation.

In his communication to lawmakers, President Tinubu described the bill as a critical component of his administration’s efforts to reorganise Nigeria’s security system and improve the protection of lives and property.

The President noted that the proposal builds on previous work carried out by both chambers of the National Assembly and incorporates additional safeguards designed to ensure the effective operation of a dual policing system.

“This bill seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police services in Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.

He added that the measure forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to address evolving security challenges across the country.

Following the transmission of the bill, the Senate referred it to the Constitution Review Committee chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, with instructions to present its report on Wednesday for immediate consideration.

Akpabio said the Senate would adopt accelerated legislative procedures to ensure speedy consideration of the amendment before lawmakers proceed on annual recess.

He described the proposal as a historic opportunity to decentralise policing and strengthen community participation in security management.

“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing. This is the first time we are taking that step,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President argued that local communities possess valuable intelligence that could help security agencies prevent crimes before they occur, adding that a decentralised policing structure would improve response times and strengthen public safety.

However, despite broad support for the proposal, state governors have continued to push for greater constitutional powers over state police operations.

Governors are seeking stronger control over appointments, operational decisions and security coordination within their states, insisting that effective state policing must align with the principles of federalism.

Funding also remains a major issue in discussions surrounding the proposal.

Some stakeholders have questioned suggestions that three per cent of allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) should be dedicated to funding state police operations, arguing that such an amount may be insufficient to sustain salaries, equipment procurement and operational costs.

Governors have also expressed concerns about the sustainability of the proposed funding model and have called for clearer constitutional guarantees to ensure long-term viability.

Another area of concern relates to the governance structure proposed for the National Police Coordination Council, which would oversee aspects of coordination between federal and state police institutions.

Some stakeholders fear the arrangement could create bureaucratic bottlenecks and potentially allow political interference in policing matters.

Despite these concerns, supporters of the reform insist that Nigeria’s current centralised policing system is no longer adequate for a country of more than 230 million people facing complex security threats.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the State Police Bill represents one of the most important security reforms currently before the National Assembly.

He argued that officers recruited from local communities are better positioned to understand local realities, gather intelligence and respond effectively to emerging threats.

Kalu also stressed that the proposed legislation contains safeguards designed to prevent misuse by state governments, including independent oversight mechanisms, merit-based recruitment and constitutional restrictions on political interference.

The House of Representatives had earlier approved constitutional amendment proposals supporting the creation of state police, making the Senate’s consideration of the bill a crucial next step in the legislative process.

If eventually approved by the National Assembly and ratified by state Houses of Assembly, the amendment would fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s policing framework and security governance structure.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Community
For Quick Access To News and Happenings
Around You.