State Police Bill Backed by 84 Senators, Senate Says

The Nigerian Senate has defended the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, saying that 84 of the 109 senators voted in favour of the proposal during its clause-by-clause consideration.

In a statement released on Sunday, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the bill received broad bipartisan support and was the outcome of years of consultations, public hearings, and engagements with key stakeholders.

Bamidele rejected claims that the proposal was politically motivated, explaining that it was developed through consultations with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors' Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

He noted that public hearings held across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones in July 2025 showed overwhelming public support for the establishment of state police.

According to him, although the ruling party holds the majority in the Senate, lawmakers from opposition parties also supported the bill in the national interest. He stated that 84 senators voted in favour, representing 77.06 percent of the Senate.

The bill comes amid ongoing debate over the decentralisation of policing in Nigeria. Supporters argue that state police will strengthen security and improve local law enforcement, while critics fear state governors could misuse the force for political purposes.

Bamidele said the proposed amendment clearly separates the responsibilities of the federal and state police to avoid jurisdictional conflicts.

Under the proposal, the Federal Police will continue to handle the protection of federal institutions, the Federal Capital Territory, counter-terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, border security, arms trafficking, interstate crimes, and other national security matters.

The State Police will be responsible for enforcing state laws, maintaining public order, preventing crime within their states, and protecting lives and property.

To prevent abuse, the bill includes safeguards limiting the powers of state governors. While governors may nominate state commissioners of police, the appointments must be recommended by the National Police Council and approved by a two-thirds majority of the respective State House of Assembly.

The bill also proposes the creation of an independent State Police Service Commission, which will regulate state police operations without the control of state governors.

In addition, the Federal Police may only intervene in state policing under specific circumstances, including a breakdown of public order, the inability of a state police service to function, serious human rights violations, partisan or electoral intimidation, or threats to national security.

The Senate said these measures are designed to ensure accountability while improving security across Nigeria.