By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria has moved a step closer to establishing state police on Wednesday as the Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill designed to decentralise policing and strengthen security across the country.
The landmark legislation scaled through after senators adopted all 26 clauses of the proposal during a clause-by-clause consideration at the Committee of the Whole. The bill subsequently secured the support of more than two-thirds of members of the upper chamber through a manual voting process.
The proposed amendment introduces a dual policing system that would allow states to operate their own police services alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.
Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Deputy Senate President and committee chairman, Senator Barau Jibrin, led deliberations on the bill before its eventual approval.
Under the proposed framework, state governors will have the authority to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by their respective Houses of Assembly. The bill also retains the office of the Inspector-General of Police as head of the Federal Police Service.
The legislation provides that governors may issue lawful policy directives to state police commissioners on matters relating to public safety and order within their jurisdictions.
To address long-standing fears that state police could be used as political tools, the Senate included provisions aimed at safeguarding citizens’ rights.
One of the clauses prohibits state police authorities from arresting, detaining, investigating or using force against individuals or groups solely for criticising a government, except where permitted by law.
The passage of the bill came after senators abandoned plans to use electronic voting for constitutional amendment proposals. Lawmakers opted for manual voting following concerns over possible technical challenges that could affect participation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio endorsed the decision, saying an open voting process would ensure transparency and guarantee that every senator had the opportunity to cast a vote.
Among dignitaries present during the proceedings were Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The approval marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s push for security reforms. However, the proposal must still secure the endorsement of at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can become part of the Constitution.
For years, advocates of state police have argued that the country’s centralised policing system is overstretched and ill-equipped to effectively tackle rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges.
Opponents, however, have maintained that governors could misuse state-controlled police formations for political purposes.
