The Nigerian Senate has pledged to complete state police legislation before the end of 2026, following approval of the proposed constitutional amendment by 24 state Houses of Assembly, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to decentralise its policing system and improve responses to security threats.
Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the National Assembly intends to conclude the process before lawmakers proceed on their Christmas break. He described the proposed reform as a priority, adding that legislators would move quickly once they receive the necessary proposals from the executive.
The announcement comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities that continue to affect communities in different parts of the country. Supporters of state policing believe a decentralised system could help security agencies respond more effectively by bringing officers closer to the communities they serve.
State Police Legislation Advances After 24 States Approve Amendment
The proposed constitutional amendment has passed an important stage after 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies approved the bill seeking to establish State Police Services.
The Senate and House of Representatives had earlier passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, before transmitting it to state legislatures for consideration and approval.
Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution requires at least two-thirds of all state Houses of Assembly, representing 24 states, to approve a constitutional amendment before it can proceed to the next stage. With the required number reportedly reached, the National Assembly must verify the resolutions submitted by the state legislatures and complete the remaining constitutional procedures.
The Ondo State House of Assembly also approved the proposed amendment on Monday, October 26, joining other states that had already endorsed the initiative. Lawmakers in Ondo passed the bill after considering its provisions during plenary.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has continued preparing the legislative framework needed to establish and regulate the proposed policing system.
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, chaired by Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, submitted the draft National Policing Bill, 2026, alongside 29 related amendment bills, to the Federal Ministry of Justice for drafting review and validation.
The ministry was expected to return the documents by October 30, after which the working group would conduct a final review before presenting them to President Bola Tinubu for consideration and subsequent legislative action.
However, the Senate has indicated that it will wait for formal communication from the executive before commenting on its proposed timeline for submitting the related bills.
Security Benefits and Concerns Surrounding State Policing
The proposed reform seeks to introduce a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, allowing both levels of government to perform defined security responsibilities under an amended constitutional framework.
Proponents argue that state police officers could develop stronger knowledge of local communities, gather intelligence more effectively and respond more quickly to crimes because of their proximity to residents and local security challenges.
They also believe decentralised policing could improve coordination between communities and law enforcement agencies, particularly in areas where geographical distance or limited local intelligence complicates security operations.
However, the proposal has raised questions about accountability, political interference, funding and the protection of citizens’ rights, with critics warning that state authorities could attempt to influence police investigations or deploy officers against political opponents.
These concerns highlight the importance of establishing clear safeguards before the new system becomes operational. The proposed framework must define the powers of governors, establish independent oversight mechanisms and provide procedures for investigating misconduct by police officers.
Funding will also play a significant role in determining whether state police services can operate effectively, as state governments would need to provide adequate resources for recruitment, training, equipment, salaries and operational facilities.
Furthermore, federal and state police services would require clear rules governing intelligence sharing, joint operations and responsibility for crimes that cross state boundaries. Without effective coordination, overlapping powers could create confusion and weaken security operations.
The Senate’s commitment to completing the legislation before the end of 2026 therefore represents a target rather than confirmation that state police units will begin operating immediately.
Although approval by the required number of state assemblies marks an important constitutional milestone, lawmakers must still complete the applicable procedures and establish the necessary legal framework.
The coming weeks will determine whether the National Assembly can meet its Christmas deadline and move the proposed reform closer to implementation.
