State Police: Senate Passes Bill, Govs Appoint Commissioners

Nigeria’s Senate has passed a landmark constitutional amendment bill establishing state police, a move that could significantly alter the country’s security architecture. The decision, reached after a clause-by-clause manual voting process, empowers governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by state legislatures.

The passage of the bill marks one of the most consequential reforms by the 10th National Assembly. For decades, debates over decentralising Nigeria’s policing system have dominated national discourse, with advocates insisting that the federal police structure is overstretched and unable to effectively respond to localised threats.

By approving state police, lawmakers have taken a step toward reshaping how security is managed across the federation. The reform introduces a dual policing system, where state-controlled forces will operate alongside the federal police.

A key provision of the bill grants governors the authority to appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective Houses of Assembly. This arrangement gives states greater control over policing, while still maintaining oversight through legislative approval.

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The bill also outlines the operational relationship between governors and state police commands. Governors may issue lawful directives of a general policy nature to Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and order.

Concerns about potential misuse of state police by governors to target political opponents or suppress dissent were addressed in the legislation. Section 17(7) explicitly prohibits Commissioners of Police from arresting, detaining, or deploying force against individuals or groups merely for criticising government policies. Any such action must comply with due process and existing laws.

This safeguard is intended to protect civil liberties and prevent state police from becoming instruments of political intimidation.

The Senate abandoned electronic voting for the exercise, opting instead for manual voting to ensure full participation. Senators were called individually to declare their votes publicly. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele argued that the open process guaranteed transparency and prevented disenfranchisement due to technical glitches.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the move, noting that Nigerians deserved to know where their representatives stood on such a critical constitutional issue.

The significance of the vote was underscored by the presence of senior government officials in the chamber. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, witnessed the proceedings. Their attendance reflected the executive’s interest in the reform and its implications for governance.

If ratified by two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, the amendment will redefine Nigeria’s federal structure by granting states direct control over policing. Supporters argue that localised forces will respond more effectively to insecurity, including banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings.

Critics, however, warn of risks, including possible abuse of power by governors. The inclusion of safeguards in the bill is seen as an attempt to balance these concerns.

The bill now awaits consideration by state legislatures, whose approval is required before it can become law. This stage will determine whether the reform secures nationwide consensus.

The Senate’s passage of the state police bill represents a historic moment in Nigeria’s legislative history. By empowering governors to appoint Commissioners of Police while embedding safeguards against abuse, lawmakers have attempted to balance decentralisation with accountability. The outcome of the next stage—approval by state assemblies—will decide whether Nigeria finally adopts a dual policing system to confront its worsening insecurity.