National Assembly Transmits State Police Bill to 36 State Assemblies for Ratification
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The National Assembly has officially transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration and concurrence, marking a significant step in Nigeria's ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The proposed legislation seeks to decentralize the Nigeria Police Force by creating state police services aimed at strengthening security architecture and improving responses to localized security challenges across the country.
In line with constitutional requirements, the bill must secure the approval of at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted for presidential assent and become law.
Supporters of the proposal argue that state police will enhance community policing, improve intelligence gathering, and enable quicker responses to security threats at the grassroots level.
However, critics have expressed concerns over the possibility of political abuse, warning that state-controlled police forces could be misused by some governors against political opponents and other perceived adversaries. They have therefore called for strong constitutional safeguards to ensure accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
With the bill now before the state legislatures, attention shifts to debates and voting across the 36 states, where lawmakers will determine whether the proposed constitutional amendment advances to its final stage.
