Nigeria has moved a step closer to ending nearly six decades of a centrally controlled policing system following the passage of the State Police constitutional amendment bill by the National Assembly.
The Senate approved the bill on Wednesday, following its earlier passage by the House of Representatives, marking what many have described as one of the country’s most significant security reforms since independence. While the legislation is yet to become law, its passage opens the constitutional pathway for the establishment of state police across the federation.
The move comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other crimes that many stakeholders argue have exposed the limitations of a single federally controlled police force.
Why the bill matters
The existing policing structure is rooted in Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes a single Nigeria Police Force under the command of an Inspector-General of Police appointed by the President.
