The Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s long-running efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen internal security.
The landmark bill secured the support of more than two-thirds of senators following a clause-by-clause consideration and a manual voting process conducted during plenary.
If eventually enacted, the proposed constitutional amendment will create a dual policing system, allowing both the Federal Police and State Police to operate across the federation. The reform is aimed at improving security by giving states greater responsibility in addressing local crime, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.
One of the key provisions of the bill empowers state governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police on the recommendation of the Nigeria Police Council from among serving officers of the State Police. Such appointments will, however, require confirmation by the respective State Houses of Assembly.
The legislation also authorises governors to issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and the maintenance of law and order. Where a commissioner considers any directive unlawful or inconsistent with professional policing standards, the matter may be referred to the Nigeria Police Council for a final decision.
The proposed amendment further provides that a state police service can only commence operations after the relevant State House of Assembly enacts the necessary law establishing it and the force meets national minimum standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.
Despite its passage by the Senate, the constitutional amendment has not yet become law. It must still be approved by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly before it is transmitted to the President for assent,
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