President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the Executive Bill on the establishment of state police for final assent on September 3, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen internal security.
The proposed legislation, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow the creation of state police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force, has progressed through the National Assembly following extensive consultations between the Presidency, lawmakers and security stakeholders.
The House of Representatives earlier withdrew its own version of the state police bill and adopted the Executive Bill transmitted by President Tinubu, describing it as more comprehensive. The Senate had also passed the constitutional amendment bill in June, paving the way for the harmonisation process ahead of its transmission to the President.
If signed into law, the legislation will establish a dual policing system, allowing Nigeria’s 36 states to create and operate their own police services while the federal police retain responsibility for national security and other constitutional duties. Supporters argue the reform will improve local security responses, although concerns have been raised over possible political interference and funding challenges.
