Senate Passes State Police Bill, Empowers Governors To Appoint State Commissioners Of Police

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Wednesday June 24, 2026, has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across the the federation, thus marking a major step towards restructuring the country’s policing system, with the aim of strengthening security, and enabling quicker response to local threats.

The passage followed a vigorous clause-by-clause consideration of the bill during a committee of the Whole session before receiving final approval of more than two-thirds of senators who voted in support through a manual voting process conducted on the floor of the chamber.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the legislation after lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the proposal during plenary.

One of the key provisions of the bill, captured under Clause 17, is the the Inspector-General of Police will remain the head of the Federal Policy Service, while each State Police Service shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state House of Assembly before assuming office.

However, for the amendments to take effect, it must receive approval of at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly, and transmitted to the presidential for his assent.