State Police Bill Reaches Final Stage, Awaits Approval By State Assemblies
Nigeria's proposed State Police Bill has cleared both chambers of the National Assembly and is now awaiting consideration by the 36 State Houses of Assembly, marking the final constitutional hurdle before it can become law.
As a constitutional amendment, the bill requires approval from at least 24 state assemblies before it can be assented to and incorporated into the Constitution.
The Senate passed the bill on June 24, 2026, while the House of Representatives approved the same version on July 23, 2026, eliminating the need for a conference committee to reconcile differences between the two chambers.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The legislation proposes the establishment of State Police Services to operate alongside the existing Federal Police Service.
Under the proposal:
Each state's police force will be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
Governors may issue lawful policy directives on public safety and order, but commissioners are prohibited from using the police to target critics, political opponents or groups unlawfully.
The removal or suspension of a state police commissioner will require due process, including approval by at least two-thirds of the State House of Assembly.
Existing Security Outfits:
The bill makes it clear that regional security organisations such as Amotekun, Ebube Agu and Hisbah will not automatically become state police forces or exercise constitutional policing powers.
They will also be barred from bearing firearms unless authorised by the Constitution and an Act of the National Assembly.
Federal Oversight:
The proposed law allows the Federal Police to intervene temporarily in a state under specific circumstances, including:
Breakdown of law and order.
Threats to national security.
Systematic abuse of human rights.
Failure of a state's police service to function effectively.
A formal request from the state governor.
Such intervention must be authorised by the President, remain temporary and proportionate, and will be subject to judicial review.
State Police Service Commission
Each state will establish a State Police Service Commission responsible for recruiting, promoting, disciplining and overseeing officers, while recommending qualified candidates for appointment as Commissioner of Police.
Next step:
The Clerk of the National Assembly will transmit the bill to the state legislatures. If at least 24 State Houses of Assembly approve it, the constitutional amendment will proceed to the final stage before becoming law.
Supporters believe state policing will strengthen community-based security, improve intelligence gathering and deepen Nigeria's federal structure, while the bill includes safeguards aimed at preventing political abuse of the proposed state police system.
As a constitutional amendment, the bill requires approval from at least 24 state assemblies before it can be assented to and incorporated into the Constitution.
The Senate passed the bill on June 24, 2026, while the House of Representatives approved the same version on July 23, 2026, eliminating the need for a conference committee to reconcile differences between the two chambers.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The legislation proposes the establishment of State Police Services to operate alongside the existing Federal Police Service.
Under the proposal:
Each state's police force will be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
Governors may issue lawful policy directives on public safety and order, but commissioners are prohibited from using the police to target critics, political opponents or groups unlawfully.
The removal or suspension of a state police commissioner will require due process, including approval by at least two-thirds of the State House of Assembly.
Existing Security Outfits:
The bill makes it clear that regional security organisations such as Amotekun, Ebube Agu and Hisbah will not automatically become state police forces or exercise constitutional policing powers.
They will also be barred from bearing firearms unless authorised by the Constitution and an Act of the National Assembly.
Federal Oversight:
The proposed law allows the Federal Police to intervene temporarily in a state under specific circumstances, including:
Breakdown of law and order.
Threats to national security.
Systematic abuse of human rights.
Failure of a state's police service to function effectively.
A formal request from the state governor.
Such intervention must be authorised by the President, remain temporary and proportionate, and will be subject to judicial review.
State Police Service Commission
Each state will establish a State Police Service Commission responsible for recruiting, promoting, disciplining and overseeing officers, while recommending qualified candidates for appointment as Commissioner of Police.
Next step:
The Clerk of the National Assembly will transmit the bill to the state legislatures. If at least 24 State Houses of Assembly approve it, the constitutional amendment will proceed to the final stage before becoming law.
Supporters believe state policing will strengthen community-based security, improve intelligence gathering and deepen Nigeria's federal structure, while the bill includes safeguards aimed at preventing political abuse of the proposed state police system.
