Senate Passes State Police Bill for Second Reading

The Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to establish state police services for second reading, marking another major step towards reforming Nigeria’s security architecture.

The bill scaled second reading during plenary in Abuja after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to suspend Senate rules to allow for its accelerated consideration.

Leading the debate, Bamidele explained that the proposed legislation seeks to establish state police while retaining a strong federal police structure, backed by national standards, accountability measures and safeguards against abuse.

According to him, the bill provides for independent state police service commissions, national minimum policing standards, federal intervention in exceptional situations and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

He argued that the establishment of state police would enhance community policing, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen responses to security threats across the country.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said Nigeria’s worsening security situation demands innovative solutions, stressing that strong safeguards must be included to prevent political interference and abuse of the proposed security structure.

Abaribe also emphasised the need for constitutional guarantees on funding and oversight to ensure state police institutions remain professional, accountable and independent.

Former Sokoto State governor and senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also backed the bill, describing state police as a crucial step towards strengthening federalism and tackling the country’s persistent security challenges.

Tambuwal, however, urged lawmakers to ensure adequate safeguards are built into the framework to prevent abuse by state authorities and protect citizens’ rights.

Senator Mohammed Monguno supported the proposal, noting that existing community-based security structures across Nigeria demonstrate the need for a formal state policing system.

Following broad support from lawmakers, the Senate passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative consideration.

The chamber also suspended its rules to admit governors, state attorneys-general, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials to observe proceedings.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the presence of the officials reflected the significance of the proposed constitutional amendment and demonstrated transparency in the legislative process.

Akpabio added that the bill is intended to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges and responds to increasing calls for innovative and sustainable solutions to insecurity.