The Nigerian Senate has expressed confidence that legislation establishing state police will be completed before the National Assembly’s Christmas recess.
The development follows the approval of the proposed constitutional amendment by the required number of state Houses of Assembly.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed the position while discussing the progress of the state police legislation.
He said lawmakers were committed to concluding the process before the end of 2026.
State Assemblies Approve Police Amendment
At least 24 state Houses of Assembly have approved the constitutional amendment required to establish state police.
The approval meets the two-thirds threshold required from Nigeria’s 36 state legislatures.
Ondo State also passed the amendment on Monday, October 26, adding to the number of states supporting the proposal.
The amendment seeks to restructure Nigeria’s policing system by introducing Federal Police and State Police Services.
Why Nigeria Wants State Police
Supporters of state policing argue that decentralising security operations could improve intelligence gathering and response times.
They believe state-based officers may have greater familiarity with local communities and the security challenges affecting them.
Nigeria continues to face serious security problems, including kidnapping, banditry and attacks on rural communities.
Proponents say state police could complement federal security operations by bringing law enforcement closer to residents.
However, concerns remain about possible political interference, abuse of authority and the funding of state-level police institutions.
What Happens Before State Police Becomes Law?
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has submitted draft legislation and related amendment bills to the Ministry of Justice for review.
The proposed framework is expected to define the responsibilities, structure and powers of federal and state police services.
Following legal review and executive consideration, the relevant proposals will proceed through the remaining legislative processes.
Senate officials have indicated that lawmakers will examine the required documents once formally received.
Although the necessary state-level approval threshold has been reached, state police has not yet become operational.
Senate Promises Faster Legislative Action
Adaramodu said the National Assembly recognised the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He expressed confidence that lawmakers would conclude the legislation before the Christmas break.
The proposed reforms could represent one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s policing structure in decades.
However, their eventual impact will depend on the final legal framework, funding arrangements, accountability mechanisms and implementation.
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