By Queen Madaki
The Nigerian Senate has passed the constitutional amendment bill establishing State Police, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to decentralise the country’s policing system and strengthen internal security.
The landmark 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,” was approved during an emergency plenary session following the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
The Bureau Journal reports that the bill, transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeks to create a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police system.
Governors to Appoint State Commissioners of Police
Under the proposed amendment, state Governors will have the power to appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly.
The legislation also includes safeguards aimed at preventing political abuse by expressly prohibiting state police authorities from targeting individuals or groups for criticising the government or exercising their constitutional rights.
The bill must now secure approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can become part of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senate Describes Bill as Security Game Changer
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who presented the report on the floor of the Senate, described the bill as an inclusive and far-reaching constitutional reform designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
According to him, the passage of the legislation demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to resetting the country’s security architecture and empowering states to respond more effectively to local security threats.
“This is a bill on amending the Constitution to create a dual police structure for the Federation. The passage of this bill is a testament to the resolve of the Senate to decentralise and reset our security and policing architecture to effectively combat all forms of challenges in all parts of the country,” he stated.
He added that following passage by both chambers of the National Assembly, the legislation would be transmitted to the state legislatures for concurrence.
Police Trust Fund Bill Also Passes Third Reading
During the same plenary, the Senate also passed for third reading the Police Trust Fund Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, as part of broader reforms aimed at improving policing and security funding across the country.
The Bureau Journal gathered that lawmakers considered the bill crucial to strengthening institutional support for security agencies and enhancing operational efficiency.
Four New Senators Sworn In
Earlier in the session, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio administered the oath of office and allegiance to four newly elected senators who emerged victorious in recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The new lawmakers are Senator Halilu Danladi Envulu-Anza representing Nasarawa North on the platform of the APC, Senator Ikeje Asogwa representing Enugu North (APC), Senator Dayo Faduyile representing Ondo South (APC), and Senator Olaka Nwogu representing Rivers South-East under the PDP.
The senators were elected to fill vacant seats across their respective senatorial districts following the conduct of by-elections held nationwide.
With the State Police Bill now advancing to the state assemblies, attention across Nigeria is expected to shift to the 36 legislatures whose decisions will determine whether one of the country’s most debated constitutional reforms finally becomes law.
The Bureau Journal will continue to provide updates on developments surrounding the State Police constitutional amendment and other major legislative reforms.
Get breaking news and latest updates directly on WhatsApp
