The Senate says it will this week consider amendments to the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police, amid growing concerns over insecurity, including terrorism and banditry across the country.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, June 8, noting that the proposal would be treated as a priority in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
According to him, once the Senate concludes deliberations, the proposal will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for approval, in line with constitutional requirements.
Bamidele said stakeholders across government levels, including the National Assembly, the presidency, and state governors, are “on the same page” regarding the creation of state police, describing it as a necessary response to current security challenges.
He added that the National Assembly would isolate the state police proposal from other constitutional amendment bills to ensure its speedy consideration and passage.
Section 214 (1) of the 1999 Constitution currently provides for a single national police force—the Nigeria Police Force—under federal control. The proposed amendment seeks to alter this structure to allow for state-controlled policing systems.
Bamidele further revealed that consultations have been ongoing with key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, the Inspector-General of Police, and representatives of the National Assembly committees overseeing constitutional review.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and most state governors are supportive of the proposal, adding that the legislative process could begin immediately within the week.
If passed by the National Assembly and approved by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly, the amendment would then be transmitted to the President for assent.
The move marks one of the most significant potential reforms to Nigeria’s policing structure in recent years, as lawmakers push for decentralised security architecture to address rising insecurity nationwide.