The National Assembly will vote today on the Constitution Alteration Bill for state-level policing, a move that could reshape Nigeria’s security architecture.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged full attendance, calling the bill a long-awaited reform to move beyond the centralized policing model in place since 1960.
He noted that the proposed amendment aims to strengthen grassroots security by integrating local insights from traditional institutions, community leaders, and youth groups, while also incorporating strict safeguards to prevent the potential abuse of power by state authorities.
The amendment transmitted by President Bola Tinubu seeks to decentralize security by integrating traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups at the grassroots. It also proposes safeguards to prevent abuse of power by state authorities.
Governors have intensified lobbying for constitutional control over policing, with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum stressing the need for guaranteed funding and clear command structures.
Though governors are designated chief security officers, they have limited control under the current federal command.
A recent strategic meeting held by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum highlighted the necessity of guaranteed funding arrangements and clearer command structures for the proposed services.
While current regulations designate governors as the chief security officers of their states, their practical control over police operations remains limited under the existing federal command structure.
The legislative process is being treated with urgency, with the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reminding lawmakers that a two-thirds majority is constitutionally required for the amendment to pass.
Should the bill secure the necessary support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, it will then require ratification by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can be sent to the President for final assent.
The proposed reform has elicited diverse reactions from security experts. Proponents argue that localizing the police will drastically improve intelligence gathering, reduce response times to criminal activities, and foster greater community trust.
Conversely, some retired security chiefs have voiced concerns regarding the potential for political interference. They have called for robust oversight mechanisms, such as independent commissions, to ensure that state police services operate professionally and are not utilized as tools for personal or political agendas.
To maintain functionality alongside the existing federal police, experts suggest that jurisdictions must be clearly defined.
Under this dual system, federal agencies would likely retain responsibility for issues that transcend state boundaries, such as cybercrime, kidnapping, and human trafficking, while state services would focus on localized law enforcement and internal security.
Following the death of Hon. Yaya Tongo, a member of the House of Representatives from Gombe State, the Senate suspended its plenary session on Tuesday in a moment of tribute. Lawmakers are now expected to reconvene today to proceed with the high-stakes constitutional amendment.
