BREAKING: Senate Passes State Police Bill, Governors to Appoint Commissioners as Nigeria Moves Toward Decentralized Policing

By CoolNews Nigeria | June 24, 2026

In what many observers have described as one of the most far-reaching security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the Senate has passed the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police across the country.

The landmark legislation, which was considered and approved during an emergency plenary session of the Senate on Wednesday, seeks to decentralize Nigeria’s policing system by creating a dual police structure comprising the existing Federal Police and newly established State Police formations.

If eventually ratified by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly and assented to, the bill will alter the 1999 Constitution and fundamentally change the nation’s security architecture.

Governors Empowered to Appoint Police Commissioners

One of the major provisions of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the State Houses of Assembly.

This represents a significant departure from the current arrangement where the Inspector-General of Police oversees the appointment and deployment of Commissioners of Police nationwide under a centralized command structure.

Proponents of the bill argue that governors, as chief security officers of their states, require greater control over security operations to effectively combat rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes.

Senate Explains Rationale Behind Reform

Speaking after the passage of the bill, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the legislation was transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an Executive Bill.

According to him, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review conducted extensive consultations before presenting its report for consideration and adoption.

Jibrin explained that the amendment seeks to establish a constitutional framework that would allow both federal and state policing systems to coexist while maintaining national unity and security coordination.

He stated that the reform became necessary because Nigeria’s current centralized policing structure has struggled to effectively address the growing and diverse security challenges confronting various regions of the country.

“The passage of this bill demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to decentralizing and resetting Nigeria’s security and policing architecture to effectively combat all forms of criminality and insecurity across the federation,” he said.

Safeguards Against Political Abuse

Amid widespread concerns that state governors could use police formations as political tools against opponents, the Senate included several safeguards in the legislation.

According to details of the bill, State Police personnel are prohibited from targeting, intimidating, harassing, or victimizing any individual or group based on political affiliation, criticism of government policies, ethnicity, religion, or social status.

The bill also seeks to establish oversight mechanisms aimed at preventing abuse of power by state authorities.

Many analysts have long argued that concerns over potential misuse by governors have been one of the biggest obstacles preventing the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.

Police Trust Fund Bill Also Passed

In addition to the State Police Bill, the Senate also passed the Police Trust Fund Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026.

The legislation is expected to strengthen funding mechanisms for policing operations, infrastructure development, personnel training, and equipment acquisition across the country.

Observers believe that adequate funding will be crucial to the success of any future State Police system.

New Senators Sworn In

Earlier during the plenary session, Senate President Godswill 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 lawmakers include:

– Senator Halilu Danladi Envulu-Anza (APC – Nasarawa North)
– Senator Ikeje Asogwa (APC – Enugu North)
– Senator Dayo Faduyile (APC – Ondo South)
– Senator Olaka Nwogu (PDP – Rivers South-East)

Their inauguration filled vacancies that existed in the affected senatorial districts.

Nigerians React

The Senate’s decision immediately triggered widespread reactions across the country, with supporters and critics expressing divergent views.

Many Nigerians welcomed the development, describing it as a long-awaited reform capable of improving local intelligence gathering and strengthening community policing.

Supporters argue that security challenges differ from one state to another and require localized solutions.

Several commentators also praised President Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing a reform that previous administrations had repeatedly postponed.

However, critics warned that the success of State Police would depend largely on transparency, accountability, and political maturity among state governments.

Some Nigerians expressed fears that governors could transform State Police into personal security outfits used to intimidate political rivals and suppress dissent.

Others questioned whether states with limited financial resources would be able to adequately fund and sustain police formations without compromising operational effectiveness.

Implications for Existing Regional Security Networks

The passage of the bill has also reignited discussions about the future of regional and community-based security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West, Agunechemba in Anambra State, local vigilante groups, and other state-backed security initiatives.

Security experts believe many of these organizations could eventually be integrated into formal State Police structures once the constitutional framework becomes operational.

Questions have also been raised regarding how religious policing bodies such as Hisbah in some northern states would align with the new constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination based on religion or belief.

What Happens Next?

Despite the Senate’s approval, the State Police Bill has not yet become law.

Under Section 9 of the Constitution, constitutional amendment bills must be approved by at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before they can proceed for final presidential assent.

Political observers expect intense debates at the state level in the coming weeks as lawmakers across the federation consider the proposal.

Should the required approvals be secured, Nigeria would officially join several federal systems around the world—including the United States, Canada, Australia, and India—where state or regional police forces operate alongside federal law enforcement agencies.

A Historic Turning Point?

For decades, calls for State Police have featured prominently in constitutional reform conferences, restructuring debates, and security policy discussions.

While supporters view Wednesday’s Senate action as a historic breakthrough capable of improving security and strengthening federalism, critics insist that implementation, oversight, funding, and accountability will ultimately determine whether the reform succeeds or creates new challenges.

Regardless of differing opinions, the Senate’s passage of the State Police Bill marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address insecurity and redefine the future of law enforcement in Africa’s most populous nation.