The House of Representatives has approved a bill seeking the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.
The decision came during Thursday’s plenary session after lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the proposal through a voice vote. The development follows increasing concerns over terrorism, bandit attacks, kidnapping, and other violent crimes affecting communities across Nigeria.
For many Nigerians, the move signals a possible turning point in the country’s fight against insecurity. Moreover, it could reshape how policing is carried out across the federation if the proposal eventually becomes law.
The State Police Bill was considered under HB 617 as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The session was presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, with more than 290 lawmakers present. Before the bill was considered, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion to suspend House rules regarding constitutional review procedures. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Fred Agbedi and adopted by members.
Meanwhile, Speaker Tajudeen explained that lawmakers decided to focus on the security-related amendment because of its urgency.
According to him, insecurity remains one of the nation’s biggest challenges. Therefore, the House chose to prioritize the proposal before proceeding on its legislative break.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, described the proposal as a direct response to Nigeria’s growing security threats.
He noted that the current centralized policing structure often slows emergency responses in many communities.
Furthermore, he argued that local police officers would better understand their environments, languages, and security challenges.
According to him, decentralizing policing could improve intelligence gathering and allow quicker responses to criminal activities.
The proposal was eventually considered through its long title after the electronic voting system developed technical issues.
At the end of the exercise, 289 members supported the bill, while only four voted against it.
One of the major highlights of the bill is the amendment of Section 214 of the Constitution.
If approved, both Federal Police and State Police structures would be formally recognized under Nigerian law.
In addition, state police forces would only become operational after state assemblies pass enabling laws. These laws must also meet national standards established by the National Assembly.
Furthermore, the Federal Police would continue operating in states that have not established their own police services.
The bill also introduces changes to police appointments.
Under the proposal, state governors would appoint State Commissioners of Police. However, such appointments would require confirmation by state assemblies.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police would continue to be appointed by the President, subject to legislative approval.
To prevent abuse of power, several safeguards were included.
For instance, federal authorities would only intervene in state policing matters under specific conditions.
Such situations include a breakdown of law and order, a governor’s request, or operational failure within a state police command.
Moreover, if a commissioner believes a governor’s directive violates established policing standards, the issue would be referred to the Nigeria Police Council for a final decision.
With House approval secured, the State Police Bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
If passed by the upper chamber, it will be sent to the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
At least two-thirds of the states must approve the amendment before it can be forwarded to the President for assent.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have adjourned until July 7 to allow further review of pending constitutional amendment proposals.
The latest development has generated widespread interest because it could become one of Nigeria’s most significant security reforms in decades.
