The proposed legislation seeks to decentralise policing by creating a legal framework for the establishment of state-controlled police forces alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force
KaNo —
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on lawmakers to ensure full attendance as the upper chamber prepares for a decisive debate on the establishment of state police, a proposal widely seen as a turning point in Nigeria’s long-standing struggle to reform its security architecture.
Akpabio made the appeal on Tuesday as the Senate reconvened from recess with expectations of accelerated consideration of the State Police Bill, a constitutional amendment forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The proposed legislation seeks to decentralise policing by creating a legal framework for the establishment of state-controlled police forces alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.
The anticipated debate, however, was temporarily stalled following the announcement of the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Yaya Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.
The development cast a somber mood over proceedings, prompting the Senate to suspend legislative business for the day.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late legislator before adjourning plenary to Wednesday.
Announcing the decision, Akpabio expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased lawmaker and described his passing as a significant loss to the National Assembly.
“Let me mention that we will not go into any other discussion today. With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member… Mallam Yaya Tongo,” Akpabio said. “Our sympathies go with the family. Our consolation to the children and his soul should rest in peace.”
Following the tribute, senators adjourned plenary, setting the stage for what is expected to be a historic debate on Wednesday.
Before the adjournment, Akpabio underscored the importance of the State Police Bill, describing it as a landmark reform capable of reshaping Nigeria’s security framework and addressing persistent threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
He emphasised that constitutional amendments require broad participation and urged senators to treat the exercise as a national responsibility rather than a routine legislative duty.
“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing, and this is the first time,” he said.
“As we struggle to become senators, let us also remember the responsibilities of being a senator. It is not enough for us to look for tickets, and when we get them, we don’t come to the chambers.”he added
Akpabio noted that the proposed amendment includes safeguards to prevent abuse of power by state authorities while promoting a more community-based approach to security management.
According to him, decentralised policing would allow local stakeholders—including traditional institutions, youth groups, and community leaders—to play a more active role in identifying and responding to security threats.
He argued that communities are often better positioned to detect suspicious activities within their environments, making state policing a practical solution to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Senate President also directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report by June 24, enabling lawmakers to proceed swiftly with legislative action.
Reading President Tinubu’s letter to the Senate, Akpabio said the President described the amendment as “critical to reorganising Nigeria’s security architecture” and urged the National Assembly to expedite its consideration.
“The Senate intends to streamline the process and transmit the bill to state Houses of Assembly as quickly as possible,” Akpabio said.
The move represents one of the strongest endorsements yet from the federal government for state policing, a proposal that has repeatedly failed in the past due to constitutional hurdles and political concerns.
Also speaking on the matter, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the importance of lawmakers’ presence during the debate, noting that constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority for passage.
“We need a minimum of two-thirds of distinguished senators to be able to vote on constitutional alteration. That means it is important for all of us to be here,” Bamidele said.
He described the State Police Bill as a national issue that transcends political, ethnic, and regional divides, urging senators to mobilise their colleagues to ensure full participation in the voting process.
“For the amendment to succeed, it must secure the support of at least two-thirds of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives” he said
“It must also be ratified by no fewer than 24 state Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent” he added
Beyond the National Assembly, the push for state police has gained significant traction among state governors, who have long advocated greater control over security operations within their jurisdictions.
A recent strategic meeting convened by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat in Abuja brought together state Attorneys-General, legal experts, and security officials to examine the operational framework for state policing.
Its report described the move as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security system through decentralisation.
One of the key recommendations was the need for greater constitutional recognition of governors’ roles in coordinating security operations.
Although governors are often referred to as chief security officers of their states, they currently have limited authority over police operations, which remain under federal control.
However, critics have raised concerns about potential political interference, abuse of power by state authorities, and the financial burden of maintaining separate police structures across the country.
Despite these concerns, momentum for reform appears to be growing, with many stakeholders viewing the proposed amendment as a necessary step toward addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
If passed by the National Assembly and approved by the required number of state legislatures, the State Police Bill would mark the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system since independence.
