The Senate has passed the constitutional amendment bill establishing state police, marking a major step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing system. The legislation empowers state Governors to appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective state Houses of Assembly.
The bill also bars state police from targeting individuals or groups for criticising the government and provides safeguards against political abuse. The proposal must still secure approval from at least two-thirds of state assemblies before becoming part of the Constitution.
Three Key Takeaways from the Senate Emergency Sitting
During today's emergency plenary at the Senate, [b]we concluded legislative consideration and passed the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Estab[/b]lishment of State Police and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration), 2026.
The passage of the landmark legislation which came as an executive bill transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, followed the consideration and unanimous adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review under my chairmanship on the bill.
I moved the motion for the presentation and consideration of the report which was seconded by distinguished Senator Kamarudeen Olarele. I had noted that, given the inclusivity of the bill, it was necessary to carry along all stakeholders involved. This is a bill on amending the Constitution to create a dual police structure for the Federation.
After the passage by both chambers (Senate and House of Representatives), it will then be sent to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for their concurrence.
The passage of this bill is a testament to the resolve of the Senate to decentralise and reset our security and policing architecture to effectively combat all forms of challenges in all parts of the country.
The Senate also passed for the third reading, the Police Trust Fund Act (Repael and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026.
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