The Nigerian Senate has moved a step closer to establishing state police after a constitutional amendment bill seeking to decentralise policing powers successfully passed its second reading.

The proposed legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for the Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration), 2026 (SB. 794), was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

The bill received overwhelming support from lawmakers across political parties, reflecting growing concern over the country’s persistent security challenges and the need for alternative approaches to law enforcement.

Following extensive debate on the Senate floor, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the proposal to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for further legislative examination.

The committee is chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who will oversee the next phase of the constitutional review process.

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Presenting the bill’s general principles, Bamidele argued that Nigeria’s current security realities require a more flexible and responsive policing structure.

He pointed to the growing threats posed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, armed robbery, cult activities, pipeline vandalism, and cybercrime.

According to him, the country’s centralized policing model has struggled to effectively address localized security threats across various regions.

Bamidele stated that many Nigerians have repeatedly called for a decentralized policing framework capable of responding more efficiently to community-specific challenges.

He explained that the proposed legislation would create both federal and state police structures, each with clearly defined responsibilities and operational boundaries.

One of the major provisions of the bill is the transfer of policing powers from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

This change would empower state governments to establish and manage their own police services while maintaining coordination with federal law enforcement agencies.

The proposal also provides for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions to oversee recruitment, discipline, administration, and operational standards within state police formations.

Bamidele emphasized that the initiative is designed to strengthen cooperative federalism rather than weaken national unity.

According to him, allowing states to participate directly in policing would enhance governance and improve public safety without undermining the authority of the federal government.

Addressing concerns that governors could misuse state police for political purposes, the Senate Leader said the bill contains several safeguards.

These include federal oversight mechanisms, legislative confirmation of senior appointments, periodic operational reviews, and adherence to national policing standards.

The proposal also empowers the federal government to intervene in situations where a state experiences a complete breakdown of law and order.

Supporters of the bill argue that these provisions will ensure accountability while preventing abuse of power.

Several senators, particularly from Northern Nigeria, expressed support for the proposal, describing it as a potential long-term solution to the country’s worsening insecurity.

Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno also endorsed the bill, noting that it could help regulate the growing number of vigilante groups operating across the country.

He argued that a legally established state police system would provide structure, oversight, and professionalism to local security efforts.

Proponents further maintain that local policing will improve intelligence gathering, foster stronger relationships between communities and law enforcement agencies, and ensure quicker responses to security threats.

The Senate has now forwarded the bill to the constitutional review committee for further consideration, marking another significant step in the ongoing debate over restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture.