State Police Bill: How National Assembly Curbed Governors’ Powers

A proposed constitutional amendment establishing state police has introduced safeguards designed to prevent state governors from exercising unchecked control over the new policing structure, even as it seeks to decentralise Nigeria’s security architecture.

Under the proposed framework, governors would have the authority to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to recommendations from the National Police Council and confirmation by state Houses of Assembly.

However, the bill limits the powers of governors by restricting their directives to matters of general policy concerning public safety and public order. Governors would not have the authority to order arbitrary arrests, detentions, investigations, or the deployment of police against political opponents or critics outside the provisions of the law.

The legislation also provides mechanisms for federal intervention in exceptional circumstances. Where there is an actual or imminent breakdown of public order that a state police service is unable or unwilling to contain, the Federal Police Service may temporarily assume specified operational responsibilities.

Such intervention must be authorised in writing by the President, with clear grounds, territorial scope, functions, and duration stated in the authorisation. Relevant state and national institutions must also be notified within a stipulated timeframe.

The proposed state police system would replace the current centralised policing framework with a dual structure comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services operating concurrently.

Supporters of the bill argue that decentralised policing will improve local intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and enable faster responses to crime and emergencies.

However, critics have continued to express concerns over the potential for political interference, funding challenges, and the possibility of ethnic or communal tensions if state police forces are not effectively regulated.

The proposal represents one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history and is expected to undergo further constitutional processes before it can become law.