Nigeria’s long-debated proposal to establish state police may be approved by the National Assembly this week, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, marking a significant step in constitutional reforms aimed at addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Bamidele confirmed that the Senate Committee on Constitution Review (CRC) is set to present its final report on the proposed amendment before lawmakers for consideration and approval within days. He described the development as the outcome of intensive consultations involving key security and government stakeholders.
According to him, federal lawmakers have held a series of high-level meetings over the past week with President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as well as officials from the presidency and other security stakeholders. These engagements, he said, were aimed at refining the framework for a decentralised policing system.
Bamidele, who also serves as vice chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, stated that there is now broad consensus within the National Assembly to proceed with the constitutional amendment that will provide legal backing for state police. He indicated that once passed at the federal level, the proposal will be transmitted to all 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification by at least two-thirds of them, in line with constitutional requirements, before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Although he did not specify the exact day of consideration, the Senate Leader noted that the timing aligns with the National Assembly’s regular plenary schedule, which typically holds sessions between Tuesday and Thursday.
The renewed push for state policing comes amid escalating insecurity across the country, including banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and terrorism. Over the years, governors, lawmakers, and civil society organisations have increasingly advocated for decentralised policing as a more effective response to localised security threats.
The idea of state police is not new. It has featured in past constitutional reform efforts, including the 2014 National Conference under former President Goodluck Jonathan, where delegates recommended its adoption as part of broader security sector reforms.
In response to persistent insecurity, several regions have already established informal security structures, such as Amotekun in the South-West, Ebube Agu in the South-East, and Hisbah in parts of the North. However, these outfits operate without the full legal authority of formal police institutions.
Despite growing momentum, the proposal remains controversial. Critics warn that state-controlled policing could be misused by governors to suppress political opposition, intimidate critics, and undermine civil liberties if adequate safeguards are not put in place. Supporters, however, argue that a decentralised policing system is essential for effectively tackling Nigeria’s complex and regionally varied security threats.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has previously suggested that the proposed framework would include a National State Police Commission to regulate recruitment, training, discipline, and operations, in an effort to prevent abuse and ensure uniform standards across states.
