Historic security reform in the Senate as lawmakers approve state policing framework

Nigeria moved closer to restructuring its police system on Wednesday after the Senate approved a constitutional amendment bill that would pave the way for the creation of state police services across the country.

The landmark law, considered one of the most significant security reforms since the return of democratic rule, received the support of more than two-thirds of senators following an extensive clause-by-clause review and a manual vote conducted during the plenary session.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio officially announced the passage of the bill after lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the proposal, which was considered through a report submitted by the Senate Committee for Constitutional Review, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Before the final vote, senators sitting as the Committee of the Whole research the provisions of the amendment and adopt it for approval. Leading the debate on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged his colleagues to support the move, describing it as a necessary response to the country’s growing security challenges.

The essence of this law was the creation of a dual police structure in which state police organizations would operate alongside the existing federal police system, thereby ending the long-standing monopoly of police power at the federal level.

One of the main features of this amendment is that it gives state governors the power to appoint the heads of their respective police formations.

A key provision in the bill “authorizes state governors to appoint Police Commissioners in their respective states, subject to confirmation by the state House of Assembly.”

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The constitutional amendment further states that: “while the Federal Police Service will continue to be led by the Inspector General of Police, each State Police Service will be led by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state legislature.”

The law also explains how the governor can interact with the state police command once it is created.

According to the proposed amendment, Article 17(6) provides that “a governor may issue valid written directions of a general policy nature to the Commissioner of Police on matters relating to the maintenance of public safety and public order in the state.”

In light of concerns raised over the years about possible political abuse of state-controlled police structures, lawmakers implemented safeguards aimed at protecting democratic freedoms and preventing abuse of power.

One such protection is contained in Article 17(7), which specifically states that “the state Commissioner of Police shall not arrest, detain, investigate or exert force against any person, political party or group solely for criticizing the government except in accordance with the law.”

This provision is designed to ensure that state police institutions are not used as an instrument of political persecution against opposition figures, journalists, activists, or other citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

The Senate’s approval came shortly after lawmakers scrapped an earlier plan to use an electronic voting system in implementing constitutional amendments. Concerns over technical difficulties affecting some voting devices prompted senators to turn to manual processes.

These changes were initiated through a motion tabled by Senate Leader Bamidele, who argued that every senator should have the opportunity to fully participate in what many described as a historic legislative exercise.

Akpabio supported the proposal, stating that the open voting format would increase transparency and allow citizens to know how their representatives voted on issues of national importance.

Several top government officials observed the proceedings from the Senate chamber, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Following the implementation of manual voting procedures, senators are called upon individually to publicly state their position on the constitutional amendment proposal before final approval is obtained.

The passage of the National Police Bill marks a major milestone in a debate that has been going on for decades. Proponents have long argued that Nigeria’s centralized police system is overwhelmed and unable to respond adequately to threats posed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other security challenges.

However, opponents have consistently expressed concerns that state governors could exploit state police formations to harass political rivals and suppress dissent.

Despite these concerns, Wednesday’s vote represents the most significant progress towards decentralizing policing in Nigeria. The proposal still must receive necessary approval from the state House of Assembly and complete other constitutional procedures before becoming law.

If ultimately enacted, these reforms are expected to fundamentally change Nigeria’s security architecture by introducing a state-controlled police service operating alongside the federal police structure.