State Police Bill Takes Center Stage as Senate Moves to Fast-Track Constitutional Amendment
The Nigerian Senate is set to begin deliberations this week on a landmark constitutional amendment bill aimed at establishing State Police across the country, signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The move was disclosed by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele in a statement released through the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs. According to him, the National Assembly has decided to separate the State Police proposal from the wider constitutional review process in order to accelerate its passage, citing the urgent security challenges facing the nation.
Bamidele explained that lawmakers consider the creation of State Police a matter of national importance that requires immediate legislative attention. As a result, the bill has been prioritized and will feature prominently on the Senate’s agenda during the current legislative week.
The Senate Leader noted that there is growing consensus among key stakeholders on the need for decentralized policing. He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, members of the National Assembly, and top security officials have all expressed support for the initiative.
According to Bamidele, Nigerians across different regions and sectors have increasingly called for the establishment of State Police as a strategy to strengthen local security operations and improve response to emerging threats.
“Our position on State Police is clear. We are standing with Nigerians on this issue. Across all levels of government and society, there is a shared belief that now is the right time to establish State Police,” he said.
If passed, the proposed amendment would mark one of the most significant constitutional reforms in recent years, potentially granting states greater authority in managing security and law enforcement within their jurisdictions.
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The Senate’s consideration of the bill this week is expected to reignite national discussions on policing reforms, federalism, and the future of internal security in Nigeria.
