States assembly backs establishment of state Police Forces
Crime/Social Justice
In a decisive show of support following the Nigerian Senate’s historic passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, speakers of all 36 State Houses of Assembly have thrown their weight behind the reform, signaling strong prospects for its ratification as the final legislative test begins.
The bill, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, amends Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution to establish a dual policing system comprising a restructured Federal Police Service and State Police Services in each of the 36 states.
It passed all 26 clauses in the Senate during committee of the whole before third reading.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, led by Chairman and Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, reaffirmed their longstanding backing for state police.
“As Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, we had earlier indicated our support for the proposed legislation because we believe that community-based policing, properly structured under law, will enhance safety and response time across our states,” Guwor stated.
Security is local, they emphasized, and officers familiar with terrain, language, and culture are best positioned to tackle localized threats.
Support gathered further momentum on Thursday, June 26, with endorsements from several governors, the Labour Party (LP), the Forum of Progressive Speakers (APC-controlled legislatures), and other stakeholders.
This broad consensus raises hopes that the bill will secure the required approval of at least 24 (two-thirds) state Houses of Assembly needed for it to proceed to President Tinubu for assent.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia hailed the Senate’s action as a “courageous and timely step” and a landmark reform. He noted that state police would better understand local dynamics for faster responses to insecurity.
In Kano, the State House of Assembly quickly convened a stakeholders’ meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, even as Gombe Speaker Abubakar Luggerewo described the bill as a “welcome development” that could help address lingering security challenges, while pledging diligent scrutiny.
Bayelsa, Plateau, Ondo, and Akwa Ibom assemblies also signaled readiness to prioritize and support the measure after due process.
The Forum of Progressive Speakers, under Jigawa Speaker Haruna Dangyatin, called the passage a “historic breakthrough” and “resounding victory for effective governance and community-focused policing.” The Labour Party commended the National Assembly’s patriotism and urged governors and state lawmakers to rise above partisanship, noting constitutional safeguards against abuse.
Nigeria’s centralized policing model under the federal Nigeria Police Force has long been criticized as overstretched and ill-equipped for the country’s vast, diverse population of over 200 million.
Proponents rgue that state forces will improve intelligence gathering, response times, and community trust while the Federal Police retains responsibility for counterterrorism, border patrol, organized crime, cybercrime, arms trafficking, and FCT policing.
The bill includes safeguards: State Police Commissioners are appointed by governors on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by State Houses of Assembly; forces must meet national minimum standards; and provisions aim to prevent partisan abuse.
Experts and analysts stress that success hinges on merit-based recruitment, independent oversight, transparent funding, body cameras, anti-abuse measures, and coordination mechanisms, even as many view it not as a silver bullet but as a vital tool alongside efforts to address poverty, unemployment, and governance issues.
With the bill now transmitted to the states, the coming weeks mark the decisive phase, when the state assemblies will conduct public hearings, stakeholder engagements, and clause-by-clause reviews tailored to local needs.
If at least 24 approve it, Nigeria’s security architecture could shift toward deeper federalism, potentially delivering more nimble, localized responses to banditry, kidnapping, militancy, and other threats that have claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The overwhelming early backing from the 36 Speakers and key stakeholders suggests momentum is building, but rigorous deliberation and robust implementation frameworks will determine whether this long-debated reform truly restores public confidence and enhances safety across the federation.
