The Nigerian Senate has announced plans to pass the State Police Bill as lawmakers continue efforts to reform the country’s security system.
The bill is scheduled for consideration and passage on Wednesday after senators suspended their recess to deliberate on the proposed constitutional amendment.
The move comes amid growing calls for a more decentralised policing structure to address security challenges across Nigeria.
Bill seeks new policing structure
The proposed legislation aims to amend the 1999 Constitution and create a system where federal and state police forces can operate side by side.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded an executive version of the bill to the Senate through a letter dated June 15, 2026.
The proposal is expected to change the current policing framework by giving states more involvement in security operations.
Senate leadership backs reform
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the bill as an important step towards improving Nigeria’s security architecture.
The bill was referred to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for further review before lawmakers vote on it.
Akpabio urged senators to attend the session and participate in the process.
He said the proceedings would be broadcast live, allowing Nigerians to follow the lawmakers’ decisions.
Security concerns drive debate
Supporters of state police have argued that local security agencies would improve intelligence gathering and allow faster responses to community-based threats.
The proposed reform has remained a major topic in discussions about Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for changes to the country’s policing system.
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