National Assembly Approves Constitutional Amendment for State Police, Paving Way for Major Security Reform

National Assembly Approves Constitutional Amendment for State Police, Paving Way for Major Security Reform

Nigeria has moved closer to establishing state police forces after the National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment to allow states to create and operate their own police outfits.

The House of Representatives passed the bill seeking to amend Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, marking a historic shift in Nigeria's security architecture, where policing has traditionally remained exclusively under the control of the Federal Government.

The amendment received overwhelming support from lawmakers, with 289 members voting in favour of the bill and only four opposing it. The vote was conducted through a show of hands after the House's electronic voting system reportedly experienced technical difficulties.

The development represents a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen internal security amid growing concerns over terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.

However, despite the passage of the constitutional amendment, states must meet specific legal and operational requirements before establishing their respective police forces.

Key Provisions of the State Police Amendment

Under the amended Section 214 of the Constitution, the National Assembly is required to enact legislation outlining the structure, organisation, administration, powers, and operational guidelines for both the Federal Police and State Police.

Before any state police force can commence operations, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

The State House of Assembly must pass a law establishing the state police force.

The proposed force must be certified as meeting national minimum standards prescribed by the National Assembly.

Until these requirements are met, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to perform all policing functions within the states.

Once state police become operational, the Federal Police will retain responsibility for federal policing duties and may provide support to state police where necessary.

Federal and State Police Responsibilities

The amendment clearly defines the responsibilities of both policing structures.

The Federal Police will continue to maintain public security and order across the federation within constitutional limits. State Police will handle internal security matters within their jurisdictions.

To prevent undue federal interference, the amendment stipulates that the Federal Police cannot intervene in state policing operations except under specific circumstances, including:

A complete breakdown of law and order beyond the capacity of the state police.

A formal request for intervention by the state governor.

Situations where a state police force becomes unable to function due to administrative or financial challenges.

Any such intervention must receive prior approval from the National Police Council.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Police.

Leadership and Oversight Structure

The Federal Police will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

State Police forces will be led by Commissioners of Police appointed by governors based on recommendations from the National Police Council and confirmed by their respective State Houses of Assembly.

Governors may issue lawful directives on public safety and security. However, if a Commissioner of Police considers such directives unlawful or inconsistent with established policing standards, the matter may be referred to the National Police Council for a final decision.

The amendment also establishes strict procedures for removing both the IGP and State Commissioners of Police, requiring recommendations from the National Police Council and legislative approval.

Funding and Institutional Safeguards

To support the new policing framework, the Federal Government may provide grants and financial assistance to state police forces upon recommendation by the National Police Council and approval by the National Assembly.

The amendment further creates State Police Service Commissions responsible for recruitment, discipline, and administration of state police personnel below senior ranks.

Additionally, a restructured National Police Council will oversee standards for training, intelligence gathering, forensic operations, accountability mechanisms, and cooperation between federal and state police agencies.

Implications for Nigeria's Security Landscape

The approval of the state police amendment is considered a major policy achievement for President Bola Tinubu's administration, which has advocated for decentralised policing as part of broader security sector reforms.

Recent cases of kidnapping and violent crime across several states have intensified calls from governors and stakeholders for state policing, with many arguing that state governments lack sufficient authority over federal police commands operating within their territories.

Supporters of the initiative believe state police will improve intelligence gathering, enhance community-based policing, and enable quicker responses to local security threats tailored to each state's peculiar challenges.

However, concerns remain over the potential abuse of state police by governors for political purposes. Critics have also questioned whether many states possess the financial capacity to adequately fund, train, and equip their police forces.

Questions surrounding recruitment standards, professionalism, operational independence, and accountability mechanisms continue to dominate public discourse.

Nevertheless, worsening insecurity, including the spread of banditry and terrorism into parts of Southern Nigeria, has strengthened arguments for a more flexible and locally driven policing system.

While the constitutional amendment marks a historic step towards state policing, experts note that implementation will require substantial preparation, including state legislation, recruitment processes, infrastructure development, and sustainable funding mechanisms before state police can become fully operational. :::

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