Nigeria’s National Assembly has advanced a landmark constitutional reform that would allow each of the country’s 36 states to establish and operate its own police force alongside the federal Nigeria Police Force, as reported by Premium Times and Reuters. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the constitutional amendment proposal, marking one of the most significant security reforms in decades as authorities seek new solutions to rising insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, communal violence, and oil-related crimes across different regions of the country. Supporters, including President Bola Tinubu, argue that decentralised policing could improve local security responses and strengthen intelligence gathering.
The proposed legislation aims to address longstanding concerns that Nigeria’s centrally controlled policing system has become overstretched by increasingly complex and geographically diverse security threats. Under the current structure, policing is directed from Abuja, despite state governors often being held accountable by residents for security outcomes. Security analysts say state police could enable faster emergency responses and deploy officers with stronger local knowledge of the communities they serve. The reform follows recent high-profile abductions in Oyo and Borno states that renewed calls for a more effective security architecture.
The bill enjoys broad cross-party support but still requires approval from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies before it can become law. While many governors and security experts have backed the proposal, critics have raised concerns about potential political interference, warning that some state governments could misuse local police forces against political opponents or minority groups. Questions have also been raised about funding, training standards, oversight mechanisms, and the ability of less affluent states to sustain professional security institutions.
If ultimately adopted, the reform could reshape Nigeria’s security landscape and represent the most significant decentralisation of policing powers since independence. Voice of Nigeria says successful implementation could improve public safety, strengthen investor confidence, and support economic activity in regions affected by insecurity. However, its long-term effectiveness will depend on strong constitutional safeguards, sustainable funding, and coordination between federal and state security agencies to ensure consistent standards nationwide.
