The Senate has passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, a landmark move aimed at decentralising the country’s policing structure and strengthening internal security.
The bill was approved after a clause-by-clause consideration and a manual voting process in which more than two-thirds of senators voted in support. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the legislation following its overwhelming endorsement during plenary.
A key provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, paving the way for the creation of state-controlled police services that would operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The legislation also includes safeguards against potential abuse of state police powers. It stipulates that state police commissioners cannot arrest, detain, investigate, or deploy force against any individual, political party, or group solely for criticising the government, except as permitted by law.
The Senate adopted a manual voting system for the exercise after concerns were raised over possible technical glitches with electronic voting devices. Lawmakers argued that the move would ensure transparency and allow every senator to participate in the historic vote.
The bill, widely regarded as one of the most significant constitutional reforms of the 10th National Assembly, is expected to reshape Nigeria’s security architecture if it secures the required approvals from state Houses of Assembly and completes other constitutional procedures.
Supporters say state policing will improve responses to local security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and communal violence, while critics have expressed concerns about possible political misuse by state governments.
