The Senate on Wednesday endorsed a constitutional amendment proposal that would pave the way for the establishment of state police services across Nigeria, advancing one of the country’s most debated security reforms.
The legislation secured the backing of the required majority of lawmakers during plenary after an extensive review of its provisions by the upper chamber.
Announcing the outcome, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the bill passed following a vote in which senators overwhelmingly supported the proposal.
The amendment was considered after the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Senators subsequently examined the provisions at the Committee of the Whole before adopting them and proceeding to final approval.
Leading deliberations on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposal as a significant response to Nigeria’s growing security concerns, urging lawmakers to support a framework that would strengthen policing at the sub-national level.
If eventually adopted through the remaining constitutional processes, the amendment will introduce a dual policing arrangement, allowing state police services to operate alongside the existing federal police structure.
One of the major provisions empowers state governors to nominate Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to approval by state legislatures.
The amendment stipulates that while the Nigeria Police Force will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each state police command will be led by a commissioner appointed under the new state policing framework.
The bill also outlines the relationship between state governments and police authorities, granting governors the authority to issue lawful policy directives relating to public safety and order within their jurisdictions.
To address concerns over political interference, lawmakers incorporated provisions designed to protect civil liberties and prevent the misuse of state police institutions.
Under the approved framework, state police authorities are prohibited from targeting individuals, groups or political organisations solely on the basis of criticism of government policies, except where actions are carried out in accordance with existing laws.
The Senate’s approval followed a decision to abandon plans for electronic voting on the constitutional amendment bills after concerns emerged over technical issues affecting some voting devices.
Lawmakers subsequently adopted an open voting method, with senators individually declaring their positions during the exercise.
Bamidele, who moved the motion for the alternative voting process, argued that every senator should have the opportunity to participate in what he described as a historic constitutional decision.
Akpabio supported the proposal, saying the manual voting procedure would enhance transparency and allow Nigerians to clearly see how their representatives voted on key national issues.
Several top government officials were present during the proceedings, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The passage of the amendment represents a major milestone in ongoing efforts to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture.
Supporters of state policing have consistently argued that decentralisation would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and strengthen responses to security threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence.
Opponents, however, have raised concerns that the system could be exploited by state governments for political purposes.
Despite the debate, Wednesday’s vote marks a significant legislative breakthrough for the proposal, which must still receive approval from state Houses of Assembly and satisfy other constitutional requirements before becoming law.
