ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate has commenced voting on a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, with key government officials, including Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and several governors, present to observe the historic exercise.
The voting process follows the transmission of the Constitution Alteration Bill by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate on Tuesday, marking a major step toward overhauling Nigeria’s security architecture. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment and operation of state-controlled police forces across the federation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the constitutional amendment process as a defining moment for the National Assembly and Nigeria’s democratic evolution. “Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing. This is the first time we are taking that step,” Akpabio said.
The session began with a mild drama as senators initially rejected a move by the leadership to admit governors and senior government officials into the chamber. The delegation included Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Following appeals by Akpabio and a second motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the visitors were allowed into the chamber to observe proceedings.
The Senate adopted manual voting for the consideration of the State Police Bill after the electronic voting device developed technical issues during plenary. Under the arrangement, each senator will stand up, announce his or her name, and openly state their position on the proposed bill.
Supporters of the proposal argue that state policing would enhance intelligence gathering, improve responses to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, and bring law enforcement closer to local communities. However, critics have expressed concerns that state police structures could be abused by governors for political purposes.
Former Commissioner of Police Aderemi Adeoye dismissed fears of abuse, describing the move as a “welcome development” and noting that in developed countries, state and even local government police forces exist alongside federal police.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele appealed to senators across party lines to ensure full attendance during the crucial vote, describing the issue as one that cuts across all political parties and geopolitical zones. The bill requires the support of at least two-thirds of senators to pass.
