State Police: 24 states approve constitutional amendment – Presidential panel
Twenty-four Nigerian states have approved a constitutional amendment to establish a dual policing system, meeting the two-thirds threshold required for the change. This significant development was announced by the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
A presidential panel confirmed that 24 of Nigeria's 36 states have approved a constitutional amendment to allow for state police, thereby fulfilling the necessary two-thirds majority for the legislative change. This paves the way for a dual policing system, a significant reform aimed at decentralizing law enforcement and addressing widespread insecurity.
Imagine Nigeria has one big police force for the whole country, like one big school principal for all schools. But now, many states want their own smaller police forces, like each school having its own principal to handle problems faster. 24 states have said "yes" to this idea, which means it's very likely to happen, making security more local and hopefully better at keeping everyone safe.
Analysis
Femi Gbajabiamila
The announcement regarding the approval of the constitutional amendment for state police was made by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President and chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill. His role highlights the executive branch's involvement and commitment to this significant security reform. The working group's commendation of the state Houses of Assembly underscores the collaborative effort between the federal and state governments in addressing national security concerns. This leadership from the presidential office indicates a concerted push to decentralize policing powers.
24 States
The approval by 24 State Houses of Assembly is a critical milestone, as it meets the constitutional threshold of two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 states required for such an amendment to proceed. This broad consensus among states signals a widespread recognition of the need for a reformed policing structure to better tackle local security challenges. The collective endorsement from a majority of states provides significant momentum for the establishment of a dual policing system, reflecting a shared understanding of the current limitations of a centralized police force. This level of state-level agreement is crucial for the legitimacy and eventual implementation of such a profound change.
Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026
The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, is the legislative instrument paving the way for a dual policing system in Nigeria. This amendment signifies a fundamental shift from the current centralized police structure, which has long been criticized for its inefficiency and inability to effectively address diverse security threats across the vast nation. The passage of this bill by both chambers of the National Assembly, followed by the requisite state approvals, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria's constitutional development. It aims to empower states with greater autonomy over security matters, potentially leading to more localized and responsive law enforcement.
Key points
- 24 Nigerian states have approved a constitutional amendment for a dual policing system.
- This approval meets the two-thirds constitutional threshold required for the amendment to proceed.
- The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill announced the development.
- The National Assembly had previously passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
- Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, chairs the working group.
The establishment of state police could lead to more effective and localized responses to crime and insecurity, as forces would be better attuned to specific community needs and challenges. This decentralization may foster greater accountability and improve public trust in law enforcement, potentially reducing crime rates and enhancing overall security.
A dual policing system could introduce complexities, including potential jurisdictional conflicts, resource disparities between states, and the risk of state police being misused for political purposes by state governors. There are concerns about training, funding, and maintaining national standards across multiple police forces, which could lead to inconsistencies and new forms of insecurity.
