The House of Representatives has passed the executive bill seeking to establish state police, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen the country’s internal security architecture.
The bill was approved during plenary after lawmakers adopted the executive proposal, replacing an earlier constitutional amendment initiative on the same subject. The development follows the Senate’s passage of a similar measure, bringing the legislation a step closer to becoming law.
If eventually enacted, the legislation will introduce a dual policing system, allowing individual states to establish and manage their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Supporters of the bill argue that state police will improve response to security threats, enhance community policing, strengthen intelligence gathering and enable faster intervention in local security matters.
They also believe decentralising policing will help tackle insecurity more effectively by giving state governments greater responsibility for maintaining law and order within their jurisdictions.
The bill generated extensive debate during its consideration, with some lawmakers expressing concerns over the potential misuse of state-controlled police formations for political purposes. Others, however, maintained that appropriate constitutional safeguards and oversight mechanisms have been incorporated to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
Proponents of the legislation insist that creating state police will allow security agencies to better understand local communities, improve intelligence gathering and respond more effectively to emerging threats such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal clashes and other forms of violent crime.
Security experts have long argued that Nigeria’s growing population, expanding urban centres and increasingly complex security challenges require reforms that make policing more responsive to local realities while maintaining effective coordination with federal security agencies.
If signed into law after completing the constitutional process, the legislation will provide the legal framework for the establishment, funding, administration and oversight of state police services across the federation.
The passage of the bill represents one of the most significant security reforms undertaken by the National Assembly in recent years and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat insecurity through a more decentralised and community-focused policing system.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
