Full Breakdown
Nigeria's Parliament Passes Constitutional Amendment for State Police
6/12/2026, 3:06:52 AM
Legislative Breakthrough: Core Bill Details
On 11 June 2026 the House passed a constitutional amendment moving policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List, letting each of Nigeria’s 36 states run its own police alongside the federal force. Co-sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 colleagues, the bill amends 16 constitutional provisions, including Sections 197, 214 and 215. Senate approval and ratification by at least 24 state assemblies are required.
Security Landscape Driving Reform
Nigeria faces insurgency in the northeast, banditry and kidnappings in the northwest and north-central, farmer-herder clashes, separatist attacks in the southeast and oil theft in the Niger Delta. Recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno highlighted the limits of a centrally-run police force. President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in November and urged legislative action.
Principal Actors
Supporters include President Tinubu, Deputy Speaker Kalu, the Inspector-General of Police and all 36 state governors. Senate sponsors Ajibola Bashiru (Osun) and Opeyemi Bamidele back parallel Senate bills. Analyst Ayomide Akinwale of SBM Intelligence has commented on the reform.
Bill Provisions and Structural Changes
The amendment creates State Police Service Commissions with members from the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, Labour Congress, Public Complaints Commission and journalists. State police commissioners must be recommended by the Federal Police Service Commission, approved by state assemblies, and can report unlawful orders. Federal police may intervene if a state force fails.
Anticipated Impact
Proponents say state police will boost intelligence, cut response times and enable community policing. Critics warn poorer states may lack resources and governors could misuse forces against opponents.
Official Statements
President Tinubu pledged to increase federal police recruitment. Deputy Speaker Kalu called the amendment a source of “hope”. The Inspector-General of Police and governors have endorsed the bill, calling for a more responsive security architecture.
Criticism & Safeguards
Opponents fear state police could be politicised. Safeguards include federal oversight, mandatory commissioner approval and a reporting mechanism for unlawful orders, but critics doubt they are sufficient.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source cites passage on 20 February 2024, another records approval on 11 June 2026. Funding, training and ratification timelines remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nigeria's centralised policing model slows emergency responses because states lack direct control,” — Ayomide Akinwale, Analyst, SBM Intelligence
- “We have discovered that leaving the law as it is will not give us the results Nigerians expect in addressing insecurity.” — Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker
- “Oga Bamidele say dis go reflect di core mandate of di police to provide "civil services" to di citizens of Nigeria.” — Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader
- “He said, “The speaker has asked us to come and address Nigerians to assure them that hope is coming and there is nobody stopping us from going ahead with state police.” — Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker
What’s Next
The Senate will debate the amendment this week. If passed, it goes to President Tinubu for assent, then to at least 24 state assemblies for ratification. Funding and implementation details will follow.
