The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police in Nigeria, marking a major step in ongoing efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment, funding, regulation, and operation of state police services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at the federal level.
Below are the major highlights of the bill:
National Assembly To Set Minimum Standards
The National Assembly will prescribe the structure, organisation, administration, and powers of both federal and state policing systems.
No state police service can commence operations until the State House of Assembly passes the required law and the state is certified to have met national minimum standards.
Implication:
States cannot independently establish police services without complying with nationally approved guidelines.
Federal Police To Operate Alongside State Police
The Nigeria Police Force will remain in operation even after state police are introduced.
Federal police will continue handling federal security responsibilities and may support state police when necessary.
Implication:
Nigeria would operate a dual policing system with both federal and state security structures.
Limited Federal Interference In State Policing
Federal police will not interfere in state policing matters except under special circumstances such as:
– Breakdown of law and order
– Request by a state governor
– Administrative or financial collapse of a state police service
Such intervention must receive approval from the National Police Council.
Implication:
The provision is designed to protect the operational independence of state police.
Governors To Appoint Commissioners Of Police
Each state police service will be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor based on the advice of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
Commissioners may challenge directives they consider unlawful by referring such matters to the National Police Council.
Implication:
Governors gain operational influence while institutional checks remain in place.
President Retains Power To Appoint IGP
The President will continue to appoint the Inspector-General of Police upon recommendation by the National Police Council and confirmation by the National Assembly.
The IGP remains head of the federal police.
Implication:
Federal command over national security remains intact.
Police Chiefs Protected From Arbitrary Removal
The Inspector-General and State Commissioners of Police cannot be removed arbitrarily.
Removal processes require recommendations from the National Police Council and legislative approval.
Implication:
The proposal strengthens institutional independence.
Federal Government May Support State Police Financially
The Federal Government may provide grants and support to state police services subject to recommendations and approvals.
Implication:
States with financial limitations may receive support without losing control of their operations.
States Allowed To Create Higher Standards
State Houses of Assembly can make laws regarding their policing systems but cannot go below nationally approved standards.
Implication:
States may innovate while maintaining nationwide professionalism.
Federal Authorities Barred From Routine Control
Federal institutions will not control daily appointments, transfers, deployments, or discipline of state police officers except as constitutionally allowed.
Implication:
Operational autonomy is protected.
Expanded National Police Council
The proposed National Police Council will include broader representation from:
– Federal police
– State Attorneys-General
– Retired police officers
– National Human Rights Commission
– Public Complaints Commission
– Nigeria Labour Congress
– Nigerian Bar Association
– Nigerian Union of Journalists
– Traditional rulers
Implication:
Policing oversight becomes more inclusive and civilian-oriented.
State Police Service Commissions To Be Created
Each state will establish a State Police Service Commission to oversee appointments and discipline.
The commission will recommend candidates for Commissioner of Police positions and supervise lower-ranking officers.
Implication:
Appointment powers become more distributed rather than concentrated.
State Police To Use Modern Policing Tools
The bill permits access to:
– Light arms for policing
– Biometric systems
– Fingerprint databases
– Forensic records
– Criminal intelligence systems under federal laws
Implication:
State police would operate with modern investigative and intelligence capabilities.
The bill remains part of the constitutional amendment process and would still require completion of additional legislative and constitutional procedures before becoming operational law.
