Senate Moves to Fast-Track State Police Amendment, Seeks States’ Approval

Senate Moves to Fast-Track State Police Amendment, Seeks States’ Approval

The Senate has scheduled deliberations this week on a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police across Nigeria, in what lawmakers describe as a major step toward strengthening the country’s security architecture.

Senate Leader, , disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday through the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, stating that there is growing consensus among stakeholders nationwide on the need for decentralized policing.

According to Bamidele, the National Assembly is considering separating the State Police provision from other constitutional amendment proposals to accelerate its passage, given the urgency of addressing the nation’s security challenges.

“Our position is very clear on State Police. We are standing with Nigerians. All strata of the federation have made it clear that there cannot be a better time than now to establish State Police,” he stated.

The Senate Leader explained that the amendment proposal would be given priority attention during the legislative week commencing on Tuesday. He noted that extensive consultations had already been conducted with relevant stakeholders, including the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Inspector-General of Police, and other key actors in the security sector.

Bamidele said the proposed amendment enjoys the support of President , state governors, and other critical stakeholders who believe that empowering states with their own policing structures could help tackle insecurity more effectively.

He, however, emphasized that the constitutional process for establishing State Police remains rigorous. Under the amendment procedure, the bill must secure the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted for presidential assent.

The move comes amid increasing calls for reforms to Nigeria’s security framework, with advocates arguing that state-controlled police formations would improve intelligence gathering, community policing, and rapid response to local security threats.

If approved, the amendment would mark one of the most significant constitutional reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history, potentially reshaping policing and security management across the federation.