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By Matthews Otalike, The Searchlight Correspondent / June 26, 2026

After decades of agitation, Nigeria’s National Assembly has taken a decisive step toward dismantling the country’s monolithic federal policing structure. On June 24, 2026, the Senate passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, following the House of Representatives’ earlier passage. This is not ordinary legislation; it is a constitutional amendment altering the 1999 Constitution to formally permit State Police Services alongside a restructured Federal Police Service.

Were there thorough discussion and analysis in the National Assembly? Most likely yes but with notable acceleration in the final stages. Lawmakers, particularly in earlier dialogues and public hearings (including the House’s 2024 National Dialogue on State Policing), extensively debated core issues: the over-centralization of the Nigeria Police Force, governors’ limited operational control despite being designated “chief security officers,” persistent insecurity (banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, terrorism), and the comparative success of decentralized policing in other federal systems.

Key concerns which dominated discussions at the National Assembly include:

Risk of abuse by governors: Potential weaponization against political opponents, ethnic/religious minorities, or critics.

Funding capacity: Many states’ ability (or inability) to sustain professional forces.

National cohesion: Fear of fragmented loyalty or secessionist risks.

Standards and coordination: Ensuring minimum professional benchmarks and handling cross-border crimes.

The Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and others emphasized that the bill was designed with these fears in mind. President Bola Tinubu’s executive transmission of the bill added urgency, framing it as essential for addressing evolving security threats. The Senate fast-tracked the process. The first, second, and third readings as well as clause-by-clause consideration of the over 140-page document was done in a single day, drawing some procedural criticism but broad support. Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged patriotism over partisanship.

The National Assembly initiated an amend to the Constitution to accommodate it. Both chambers have passed the alteration bill. However, for it to take effect, it requires:

Approval by at least two-thirds (24 of 36) State Houses of Assembly, transmission back and presidential assent. This follows the rigorous process for constitutional amendments under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution. The bill moves policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, enabling states to legislate on their own forces while the National Assembly sets frameworks for federal police and national standards.

Key Provisions and the “Line” of the Law

The amendment fundamentally restructures Section 214 and related provisions of the constitution:

Dual Structure: Establishes a Federal Police Service (handling counter-terrorism, organized crime, cyber-crime, border security, FCT, etc.) and optional State Police Services.

State Autonomy with Guardrails: States must pass their own enabling laws through their Houses of Assembly and the forces cannot operate until certified to meet National Assembly-prescribed minimum standards on recruitment, training, vetting, discipline, use of force, etc.

Safeguards Against Abuse:

• Governors are prohibited from directing forces to target specific individuals, parties, or groups for partisan, ethnic, or religious reasons.
• State Commissioners of Police can challenge unlawful directives via State Police Service Commissions.
• Appointments of IGP by President, and State Commissioner by Governors) require legislative confirmation.
• Removal of IGP and State Commissioner requires two-thirds legislative approval.
• Bi-annual federal certification reviews of state forces.
• Federal intervention powers (with Senate approval in extreme cases of breakdown of order, human rights abuses, or threats to national security).

Oversight Bodies: Strengthened National Police Council/Service Commission and new State Police Service Commissions with diverse membership (including retired officers, human rights representatives, and civil society).

Funding: Primarily, state police funding is the responsibility of the state, with possible federal grants.

Bold Step or Half-Measure Strengths

The framework acknowledges Nigeria’s diversity and the limitations of centralized command. Local knowledge, faster response, and community intelligence could transform state security outcomes. It also advances “true federalism” without fully dismantling national cohesion.

The Risks and Gaps of State Police: Critics rightly note that strong federal override powers and certification requirements may limit real autonomy. Funding is sure to remain a huge hurdle for poorer states. The success of state policing hinges on implementation, professional recruitment free of godfatherism, sustained training, and insulation from politics. Historical parallels (pre-independence regional police) remind us that abuse of state police is possible where institutions are weak.

The rapid passage of the bill reflects political consensus under the Tinubu administration but also raises questions about thorough scrutiny of details. Harmonization between chambers (if versions differ) will be needed.

The Path Forward

For The Searchlight, this amendment is necessary but insufficient. True impact requires:

• Rigorous state-level laws and transparent recruitment.
• Massive investment in training, welfare, and technology.
• Independent oversight and data-driven performance metrics.
• Complementary judicial and prosecutorial reforms to ensure arrests lead to convictions.

Nigeria has crossed a constitutional Rubicon. Whether this delivers safer communities or new vectors for impunity depends on the political will, professionalism, and vigilance that follow. Citizens must hold both federal and state actors accountable as implementation begins. The era of blaming only Abuja for local insecurity may be ending, but only if we build forces worthy of public trust. The Searchlight will continue to scrutinize every step.