The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police across Nigeria. This is a major step in the country’s long-running debate on decentralising policing and tackling insecurity.

How the Vote Went

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 approved during a session led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Lawmakers voted by raising their hands. The result: 288 voted in support, while 4 voted against.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Federal and State Police: Section 214 of the Constitution will be amended to formally recognise both a Federal Police and State Police.
• Framework by National Assembly: The National Assembly will set the guidelines, structure, and powers for federal policing, as well as the minimum standards for state police services.
• State Approval Required: No state police force may begin operations unless established by a law passed by the state’s House of Assembly and certified to meet national standards.
• Federal Police to Continue: Until a state police force becomes operational, the Federal Police will remain responsible for policing in that state.
• Limited Federal Intervention: The Federal Police can intervene in a state’s internal security matters only if there is a complete breakdown of law and order, a governor requests help, or a state police force becomes unable to function.
• Appointment of Police Leadership: The Inspector-General of Police will be appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council, from among serving members of the Federal Police, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. A State Commissioner of Police will be appointed by a state governor on similar advice, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
• Governors’ Authority: Governors can issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on public safety matters. If a commissioner believes a directive is unlawful, the matter goes to the National Police Council for a final decision.
• Name Changes: Section 84 of the Constitution will be updated, replacing “National Police Council” and “Federal Police Service Commission” with “Nigeria Police Council” and “Police Service Commission.”

The bill is not yet law. It still needs approval by the Senate and endorsement by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly across the country. It will also need the President’s assent before it becomes part of the Constitution.