The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward overhauling Nigeria’s security architecture by approving a constitutional amendment bill that seeks to establish state police across the country.
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 passed on Thursday during deliberations at the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The proposal was presented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review. Kalu urged lawmakers to support the measure, describing it as a critical reform aimed at improving security and strengthening policing at the grassroots level.
Voting was conducted through a manual show of hands. At the conclusion of the exercise, approximately 288 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, while only four opposed it, reflecting overwhelming support for the initiative.
If eventually enacted, the amendment would introduce a dual policing system by creating separate Federal and State Police formations. One of its central provisions is the amendment of Section 214 of the Constitution to formally recognise both structures.
Under the proposed framework, the National Assembly would retain the authority to determine the structure, organisation, administration and powers of the Federal Police. It would also establish the legal framework and minimum standards that states must meet before creating their own police services.
The bill makes it clear 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 compliant with national standards set by the National Assembly. Until then, policing responsibilities within the state would remain under the Federal Police.
Another significant aspect of the proposal is its attempt to reduce federal involvement in state-level policing. The Federal Police would only be permitted to intervene in a state’s internal security matters under specific circumstances, such as a complete breakdown of law and order, a formal request from the governor, or situations where a state police force becomes unable to function effectively because of administrative or financial challenges.
The amendment also proposes changes to the leadership and command structure of the police. Under the revised Section 215, the Inspector-General of Police would be appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the National Assembly.
At the state level, Commissioners of Police would be appointed by governors on the recommendation of the National Police Council and would require confirmation from the respective State Houses of Assembly.
Governors would have the authority to issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and security. However, if a commissioner believes such directives violate the law or professional policing standards, the issue may be referred to the National Police Council, whose decision would be binding.
In addition, the bill 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.”
Despite clearing the House of Representatives, the proposed amendment still faces several constitutional hurdles before it can become law. It must secure approval from the Senate, receive endorsement from at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly, and ultimately obtain presidential assent before it can be incorporated into the Constitution.
The development marks one of the most significant efforts yet to decentralise policing in Nigeria, a debate that has gained momentum in recent years amid growing concerns over insecurity and calls for stronger local security structures.
