State Police Moves Closer as NASS Transmits Bill to 36 State Legislatures

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The National Assembly is set to transmit the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police to the 36 State Houses of Assembly this week, marking another major step toward overhauling Nigeria's security architecture.

The development follows the recent passage of the constitutional amendment by the Senate. For the proposal to become law, it must receive the approval of at least 24 of the 36 state legislatures before it is forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for presidential assent.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that all arrangements for transmitting the bill had been concluded. He disclosed that state assemblies and governors had already been consulted and were expecting the legislation.

The proposed amendment seeks to establish a dual policing system that will allow state governments to create and manage their own police services while the Federal Police retains responsibility for national security matters such as terrorism, border protection, cybercrime, arms trafficking and other federal offences.

To address concerns over the possible abuse of state police by governors, lawmakers included safeguards prohibiting the use of state police against individuals or groups solely for criticising the government. The bill also empowers the Federal Government to intervene in situations involving threats to national security, public order or violations of fundamental human rights.

The proposal has received broad support from governors, state lawmakers and several political stakeholders. The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures has pledged to give the bill due consideration, while the Forum of Progressive Speakers has promised to facilitate speedy ratification in states controlled by the ruling APC.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the Senate's approval of the bill as a landmark step toward improving security, arguing that state police would have a better understanding of local communities and terrain, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

The Labour Party also backed the proposal, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening grassroots security, although it acknowledged concerns over possible misuse by political leaders.

However, the Peoples Redemption Party opposed the initiative, questioning its timing and expressing concerns about the current administration's ability to oversee such a significant constitutional reform.

Meanwhile, the Senate has defended the passage of the bill, insisting that the proposal is driven by Nigeria's worsening security challenges rather than political considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the state police proposal emerged from years of consultations, constitutional review exercises and nationwide public hearings involving the executive, the Nigeria Governors' Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police.

According to Bamidele, 84 of the 109 senators voted in favour of the amendment, demonstrating strong bipartisan support. He maintained that security should rise above partisan politics and urged opposition parties to contribute constructive ideas that would strengthen peace and stability across the country.

If at least two-thirds of the state assemblies endorse the bill, it will be transmitted to President Tinubu for assent, potentially paving the way for the establishment of state police and one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.