National Assembly Moves to Establish State Police in Landmark Constitutional Amendment
Story: written by Okafor Joseph September 11,2025
The National Assembly has begun a historic push to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow the creation of state police, a move lawmakers say will transform Nigeria’s security architecture and bring policing closer to the people.
The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2025, seeks to replace the country’s centralized police structure with a dual system: a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
According to the draft bill, several sections of the Constitution will be amended to reflect the new arrangement, including fundamental rights, funding structures, and institutional control. For instance, Sections 34, 35, 39, and 42 will substitute references to the Nigeria Police Force with “Police or other Security Agencies established by law.”
Financial provisions will also change. Under the bill, both federal and state police services will receive direct statutory funding—federal allocations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and state allocations from their respective state funds.
The bill repeals Section 214, which currently prohibits multiple police forces, and introduces provisions empowering states, subject to guidelines from the National Police Council, to set up their own police services. While state police will focus on local security, the Federal Police will handle national security, federal crimes, and interstate issues.
Governance structures will also be reshaped. A National Police Council and a Federal Police Service Commission will oversee the federal service, while states will establish their own Police Councils and State Security Agencies Commissions. Governors will appoint Chiefs of State Police, subject to legislative approval, while the President will appoint the Inspector-General of the Federal Police with Senate confirmation.
Lawmakers React
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the constitutional amendment is necessary:
“If there is going to be a state police, we have to amend those sections in the constitution.”
Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the move as consistent with global best practices, stressing that “local officers understand their communities, their languages, and their people.”
While most lawmakers back the proposal, some urged caution. Senator Sani Musa called for a phased introduction, beginning with community policing, while Senator Ali Ndume opposed the plan, warning that Nigeria must first expand and equip its existing federal police force.
Adebo Ogundoyin, chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, pledged the support of state assemblies:
“The State Police bill should be passed and sent to the states for approval. We are fully behind this initiative.”
If passed, the reform would mark one of the most significant constitutional shifts since 1999, creating a layered security system aimed at curbing insecurity across Nigeria.
