A bill seeking to establish state police and decentralise policing powers in Nigeria has passed second reading in the Senate but was subsequently stepped down and referred to the Senate ad hoc committee on constitutional review for further legislative scrutiny.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, is aimed at creating both federal and state policing structures to strengthen internal security across the country.
During debate, Bamidele argued that Nigeria’s centralised policing system is no longer sufficient to address the country’s escalating security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes, cultism, cybercrime, and pipeline vandalism.
He explained that the bill seeks to move policing powers from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, thereby allowing states to establish their own police services alongside federal security agencies.
According to him, the reform would not undermine national unity but would instead improve security coordination and responsiveness at all levels of government.
“The proposed amendment does not weaken national unity. Rather, it strengthens the federation by enabling each level of government to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
Bamidele also acknowledged fears that governors might abuse state-controlled policing structures but said the bill includes safeguards such as oversight bodies, service commissions, and federal standards to ensure accountability.
“The individuals who understand the terrain, language, culture and peculiar security dynamics of a community are often best positioned to detect criminal activities before they escalate,” he said, adding that decentralisation would improve intelligence gathering and rapid response to threats.
He further referenced countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany as examples of federations where subnational policing systems operate alongside federal forces.
Some lawmakers supported the proposal, including Tahir Monguno, Senate Chief Whip and senator representing Borno North, who said state police could provide a legal framework for existing vigilante groups and improve coordination in internal security efforts.
However, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) raised a constitutional objection, warning that the Senate must first comply with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines strict procedures for constitutional amendments, including approval by two-thirds of both chambers and state assemblies.
He also noted that a separate constitutional amendment committee chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin was already handling similar proposals, warning against procedural duplication.
“We have collated all the bills, and they are currently discussing them. So, discussing this bill now proposed by the leader will amount to putting the cart before the horse,” he said.
“I support the idea of state policing, but we must comply with the provisions of the constitution. Otherwise, if we go ahead with this debate, whatever we decide, whatever we do, will be a nullity.”
Following the debate, the Senate proceeded into a closed-door session, after which the bill was stepped down from further consideration.
The development came as lawmakers were noted to be below the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment vote.
The bill will now be considered alongside other constitutional amendment proposals by the Senate committee reviewing the 1999 Constitution before any final decision is taken.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has already passed the state police bill at its own level.