Senate Passes State Police Bill, Backs Commissioner as Head of New Security Structure

The Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, a landmark move aimed at tackling the country’s growing security challenges through a decentralized policing framework.
The bill, which has been at the centre of national debate for years, received overwhelming support from lawmakers after a clause-by-clause consideration during plenary. More than two-thirds of senators voted in favour of the proposal through a manual voting process.
Announcing the passage of the legislation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to strengthen internal security and improve law enforcement at the grassroots level.
The bill was considered following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Lawmakers first examined the provisions at the Committee of the Whole before adopting them and proceeding to a final vote.
Leading debate on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged his colleagues to support what he described as a critical reform capable of enhancing security operations and addressing local threats more effectively.
A major provision of the legislation empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the State Houses of Assembly.
According to Clause 17 of the proposed constitutional amendment, while the Federal Police Service will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each State Police Service shall be led by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state legislature.
The bill also outlines the relationship between governors and state police commands. Under Section 17(6), governors may issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and order within their states.
To address concerns about possible abuse of state police by political office holders, the Senate incorporated safeguards designed to protect civil liberties, political rights and democratic principles.
The Senate adopted manual voting after abandoning plans to use an electronic voting system. Lawmakers cited concerns that technical issues affecting some voting devices could prevent full participation and compromise the integrity of the exercise.
The decision to switch to manual voting followed a motion by Senate Leader Bamidele, who argued that every senator should have the opportunity to participate in what many described as a historic constitutional 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 Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The passage of the bill marks one of the most significant constitutional reforms in recent years and represents a major step toward restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture to address emerging threats across the federation.
Key figures mentioned in the report include Godswill Akpabio, Barau Jibrin, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Femi Gbajabiamila.

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