By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s move toward a new policing structure is gathering momentum, with four states—Edo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers—already approving the proposed constitutional amendment on State Police.
The development represents a significant step in the country’s long-running debate over how to strengthen security and make policing more responsive to the needs of communities across the federation.
The proposed State Police Bill is currently before the 36 state Houses of Assembly after the National Assembly transmitted the constitutional amendment bill to them on September 16, 2026.
For the proposal to become part of the Constitution, it must receive approval from at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, representing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
With four states having already given their approval, attention is now turning to the remaining states as lawmakers examine the proposal and consider its potential implications for security, governance and public safety.
Rivers State is among the states that have taken an early position on the proposed reform. The State House of Assembly endorsed the constitutional amendment after lawmakers considered the proposal.
The decision places Rivers among the first states to formally support the move and adds to the growing national conversation about the future of policing in Nigeria.
The proposed reform is built around the idea of bringing policing closer to the people. Supporters argue that state-level police services could allow law-enforcement authorities to better understand local communities, respond more quickly to security threats and develop strategies suited to the specific challenges of individual states.
Under the proposal, state police would operate alongside the existing federal police structure rather than simply replacing it.
The proposed framework is also expected to include constitutional safeguards and national standards designed to promote professionalism, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.
The debate over State Police has continued for years, particularly against the background of Nigeria’s diverse security challenges. The current constitutional amendment process provides an opportunity for lawmakers to examine the proposal carefully and determine how a decentralised policing system could operate effectively within Nigeria’s federal structure.
While some states have moved quickly, others are still considering the proposal. Some assemblies are studying the bill, while others are yet to formally debate it.
The different pace of consideration reflects the importance and complexity of the proposed constitutional change.
The State Police Bill is not simply about creating another security institution. It raises broader questions about accountability, funding, training, oversight and the relationship between federal and state authorities.
These issues will be crucial as lawmakers deliberate on the proposal. A successful state policing system would require clear rules defining the responsibilities of state and federal police authorities, effective oversight mechanisms and adequate resources to ensure professionalism.
With four states already approving the proposal, the focus is now on whether enough additional state assemblies will give their backing to meet the constitutional threshold.
The National Assembly needs the cooperation of the states because constitutional amendments cannot be completed at the federal level alone.
As more state assemblies begin to deliberate, the State Police debate is expected to remain a major national issue.
For many Nigerians, the discussion represents an important opportunity to rethink how security is managed across the federation.
Whether the proposed reform ultimately secures the required number of state approvals will depend on the decisions of individual state Houses of Assembly.
For now, however, the approval already secured in Edo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers demonstrates that the proposal has moved beyond discussion and into a formal constitutional process.
Nigeria may be entering a new chapter in its approach to policing—one in which local realities, stronger community engagement and constitutional safeguards could play a greater role in shaping the country’s security architecture.
The road ahead remains significant, but the State Police debate has clearly reached a decisive stage.
