The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture by passing a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police nationwide.The bill, 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) Bill, 2026,” was approved on Thursday during deliberations at the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.The proposal received overwhelming support from lawmakers after Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, presented arguments in favour of the measure and urged members to endorse it.Voting was conducted manually, with legislators indicating their positions by raising their hands. At the conclusion of the exercise, approximately 288 lawmakers voted in support of the bill, while only four opposed it.Key Provisions of the BillThe proposed constitutional amendment seeks to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s policing system by creating both Federal and State Police formations.One of its major provisions is the alteration of Section 214 of the Constitution to formally establish state police alongside the existing federal police structure.Under the proposal, the National Assembly would be responsible for determining the structure, organisation, administration, and powers of the Federal Police. It would also set the framework and minimum standards required for the establishment and operation of state police services across the country.The bill stipulates that no state police force can begin operations unless it is established through legislation passed by the relevant State House of Assembly and certified as meeting national standards prescribed by the National Assembly.Until a state police force becomes fully operational, the Federal Police will continue to carry out policing duties within that state Limits on Federal Intervention
The amendment also seeks to define and limit federal involvement in state policing matters.
According to the proposal, the Federal Police may only intervene in a state’s internal security affairs under specific circumstances, including a complete breakdown of law and order, at the request of a state governor, or when a state police force becomes unable to function due to financial, administrative, or other operational challenges.
Changes to Police Leadership Appointments
The bill introduces significant reforms to the appointment process and command structure of police leadership at both federal and state levels.
Under the proposed amendment to Section 215, the Inspector-General of Police would be appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. Similarly, State Commissioners of Police would be appointed by governors upon the advice of the National Police Council from among serving members of the State Police, with confirmation required from the respective State Houses of Assembly.
Governors would also be empowered to issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and order. However, where a commissioner considers such directives unlawful or inconsistent with accepted policing standards, the matter may be referred to the National Police Council, whose decision would be final.
Other Constitutional Amendments
The bill further proposes amendments to Section 84 of the Constitution by replacing references to the “National Police Council and the Federal Police Service Commission” with the “Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission.”
Next Steps
Although the bill has successfully passed the House of Representatives, it is yet to become law. The proposal must still secure approval from the Senate and receive endorsement from at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly before being presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
If eventually enacted, the amendment would mark one of the most significant reforms to Nigeria’s security framework since the return to democratic rule, potentially reshaping policing and security management across the country.
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