AWC LEGAL DESK

Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria moved a major step closer to a fundamental restructuring of its security architecture as the House of Representatives passed the bill seeking the establishment of State Police Services, paving the way for states to operate their own police formations alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

The passage represents one of the most significant attempts in Nigeria’s democratic history to decentralise policing and address longstanding concerns that the current centralised security system is unable to effectively respond to the country’s diverse security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal conflicts, and rural insecurity.

How the Vote Went

The bill was considered during plenary after lawmakers reviewed the report of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

According to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, a total of 311 lawmakers participated in the voting process. Of this number:

• 276 lawmakers were physically present in the chamber
• 35 lawmakers participated through virtual voting
• The bill secured the required two-thirds majority needed for a constitutional amendment.

Reports indicated that the voting strength reflected support from lawmakers across party lines, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and some opposition parties who remained in the chamber.

The passage followed an earlier legislative process in which the House withdrew its own version of the proposal and considered the executive-backed State Police Bill transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Why State Police Has Become a National Debate

For decades, calls for state police have dominated Nigeria’s security discussions. Supporters argue that a central police structure managed from Abuja cannot adequately understand or respond quickly to security threats in all parts of the country.

Advocates believe state police will:

• Improve intelligence gathering at community levels
• Enable faster response to emergencies
• Allow security personnel to understand local environments better
• Strengthen rural security
• Reduce pressure on the Nigeria Police Force

The worsening insecurity across several regions has intensified calls for reform, with many governors, traditional rulers, security experts, and civil society groups arguing that local policing structures are necessary.

However, critics have repeatedly raised concerns that state police could be abused by powerful governors for political intimidation, suppression of opposition, or human rights violations if proper safeguards are not established.

Minority Lawmakers Stage Walkout

The passage was not without controversy.

Members of the Minority Caucus in the House staged a walkout during the process, accusing the leadership of violating legislative procedures and constitutional requirements in handling the bill.

The opposition lawmakers alleged that the bill was being rushed and demanded a fresh review of the process before final consideration. They argued that adequate consultation and due process were not followed before the vote.

Minority Leader Fred Agbedi and other opposition figures led the walkout, while some opposition lawmakers remained in the chamber and participated in the proceedings.

The House leadership, however, maintained that due process was followed, insisting that the bill received proper consideration and the required constitutional threshold was achieved.

What Happens Next Before Nigeria Gets State Police?

Although the House passage is a major milestone, the bill is not yet law.

The journey ahead includes several constitutional requirements:

1. Harmonisation with Senate Version

The National Assembly must ensure that the House and Senate versions are harmonised where necessary.

The Senate had already advanced and passed its own version of the State Police proposal, meaning both chambers must produce a unified constitutional amendment document.

2. Approval by State Houses of Assembly

Under Nigeria’s constitutional amendment procedure, the proposal must be approved by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can proceed.

This means a minimum of 24 state assemblies must endorse the amendment.

3. Presidential Assent

After receiving the required approval from state legislatures, the amendment will return to the National Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent.

Once signed into law, Nigeria will officially adopt a dual policing system:

• Nigeria Police Force (Federal Police)
• State Police Services

A Turning Point in Nigeria’s Security Architecture?

The passage of the State Police Bill represents a historic moment in Nigeria’s ongoing search for solutions to insecurity.

For supporters, it is a long-awaited reform that will bring policing closer to communities and improve security responses.

For critics, the success of the system will depend on strong safeguards, independent oversight, adequate funding, professionalism, and protection of citizens’ rights.

The coming months will determine whether Nigeria completes this historic constitutional journey and enters a new era of decentralised policing.

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