The proposal would amend provisions of the 1999 Constitution to allow state governments to establish and operate their own police forces alongside federal security agencies. If passed, it would redefine how policing powers are shared between the federal and state levels.
The initiative reflects renewed attention to Nigeria’s security structure, particularly the question of decentralised policing as a response to rising insecurity in several regions.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has previously urged lawmakers to consider constitutional changes that would give states greater authority over internal security. Earlier in the year, he pressed for accelerated action on reforms aimed at enabling state-controlled policing, citing the need for faster local response to security threats.
Supporters of the proposal argue that state police could improve responses to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes by allowing security operations to be tailored to local conditions.
The bill now moves to the Senate for detailed consideration. Lawmakers are expected to assess its constitutional implications and its impact on Nigeria’s federal security system under the supervision of the National Assembly.
