The Senate has approved the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, a significant move aimed at decentralising Nigeria’s policing framework. Under the proposed arrangement, state governors will have the authority to appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective state Houses of Assembly.
The legislation also includes safeguards to prevent abuse by prohibiting state police from persecuting individuals or groups for criticising the government. However, the amendment is yet to become law, as it must still receive the backing of at least two thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be incorporated into the Constitution.
Three Key Takeaways from the Senate Emergency Sitting
During the emergency plenary, the Senate concluded deliberations and passed the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration), 2026.
The bill, which originated as an executive proposal forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was passed after lawmakers unanimously adopted the report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
Presenting the report, the committee chairman stated: “I had noted that, given the inclusivity of the bill, it was necessary to carry along all stakeholders involved. This is a bill on amending the Constitution to create a dual police structure for the Federation.”
Following approval by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the legislation will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for concurrence.
The Senate described the passage of the bill as evidence of its commitment to decentralising and restructuring Nigeria’s security and policing system to address security challenges more effectively across the country.
Lawmakers also passed the Police Trust Fund Act (Repeal and Re enactment) Bill, 2026, at third reading.
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio administered the oath of office and allegiance to four newly elected senators. They are Senator Halilu Danladi Envulu Anza of Nasarawa North, Senator Ikeje Asogwa of Enugu North, Senator Dayo Faduyile of Ondo South, and Senator Olaka Nwogu of Rivers South East.
The four senators emerged victorious in by elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission to fill vacancies in their respective senatorial districts.
