the Senate on Wednesday passed a constitutional amendment bill that would pave the way for the creation of state police services across Nigeria, marking a major step in the Nigerian’s long-running debate over decentralising security.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow individual states to establish and operate their own police forces, alongside existing federal security structures.
Lawmakers say the move is aimed at strengthening security at the grassroots level and improving the country’s response to rising cases of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The passage of the bill by the upper chamber represents a significant milestone in efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s policing system, which has for decades been centrally controlled by the federal government.
State police has remained one of the most contentious security reforms in the country, with supporters arguing that local authorities are better positioned to tackle crime within their communities. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential abuse of state-controlled police forces by governors and political actors.
The bill’s approval comes amid growing calls from political leaders, security experts and civil society groups for a more effective and community-based approach to policing.
Further legislative procedures are expected before the constitutional amendment can take effect.
