State Police Bill Passes Second Reading in Senate as Lawmakers Back Security Reform

Nigeria’s push for state policing gained momentum after the Senate advanced the State Police Bill through its second reading. 

The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish state police services while maintaining a strong federal police structure, complete with national standards, accountability measures, and safeguards against abuse. 

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the debate, explained that the bill is designed to improve community policing, strengthen intelligence gathering, and enhance responses to security threats across the country. 

According to him, the framework includes independent state police service commissions, minimum national policing standards, federal intervention mechanisms in exceptional circumstances, and protections for citizens’ fundamental rights. 

Several senators voiced support for the proposal during the debate. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe argued that Nigeria’s worsening security situation requires innovative solutions and emphasized the need for safeguards to prevent political interference. 

He also called for constitutional guarantees on funding and oversight to ensure professionalism and accountability within state police institutions. 

Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Tambuwal described state policing as an important step toward strengthening federalism and addressing persistent security concerns nationwide. 

He, however, stressed the importance of incorporating strong protections against abuse by state authorities. 

Senator Mohammed Monguno also backed the measure, noting that existing community-based security structures across the country demonstrate the growing need for a formal state policing system. 

Following extensive deliberations, lawmakers approved the State Police Bill for second reading and referred it to the committee of the whole for further legislative work. 

Earlier, the Senate suspended its rules to allow governors, attorneys-general, presidential Chief of Staff and other senior government officials to observe proceedings from the chamber. 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said their presence reflected the significance of the proposed constitutional amendment and highlighted the legislature’s commitment to transparency. 

Akpabio noted that the State Police Bill represents one of the key efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges while responding to increasing calls for more effective and sustainable policing solutions. 

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, Nigerians will be closely watching its development, given its potential impact on security, governance, and federal-state relations across the country.