Nigeria’s House of Representatives has clarified that the creation of state police in Nigeria can only become a reality through constitutional amendment, stressing that no implementation is possible without approval from the National Assembly and state legislatures.
Spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi, said the proposal remains subject to the ongoing constitutional review process and must follow due legislative procedures before any formal action can begin.
He said, “The legal framework governing the country’s security architecture must first be altered in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution”.
Rotimi noted that state policing is among several constitutional amendment bills currently under consideration and will be voted on in the coming weeks as part of the reform process.
According to him, the House has conducted public hearings and consultations with security agencies, state governments, civil society organisations and members of the public to ensure an inclusive approach.
“The goal is to ensure that any constitutional provision establishing state police is carefully structured, with clear safeguards, defined jurisdictional boundaries and accountability mechanisms”, he said.
Rotimi added that any final decision must strictly follow the constitutional amendment process.
The debate over state policing has gained momentum amid persistent security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and communal conflicts. Supporters argue that decentralising policing would allow states to respond more effectively to local threats.
Nigeria currently operates a centralised policing system under the Nigeria Police Force, a structure critics say is overstretched.
The discussions have also received backing from President Bola Tinubu, who has encouraged constitutional adjustments to enable broader security reforms.
Lawmakers say the constitutional review process remains the only legitimate pathway for establishing state police, and engagements will continue as deliberations progress.
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