In a landmark move that could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security architecture, the Senate on Wednesday passed President Bola Tinubu’s State Police Bill, 2026, for further constitutional processing, bringing the country closer to adopting a dual federal-state policing system.

The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to replace the current centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force with a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, empowering states to establish and operate their own police formations while preserving federal authority over national security matters.

The bill, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu, scaled a major legislative hurdle after senators considered and approved its 26 clauses during an extensive plenary session marked by vigorous debate and voting.

If eventually ratified by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, the legislation would represent the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system since the return to democratic governance in 1999.

Leading debate on the bill, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposal as a historic constitutional reform designed to address growing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and organised criminal activities.

Under the proposed framework, states would be required to enact laws establishing their respective police services and meet nationally prescribed standards before commencing operations. The Federal Police Service would retain responsibility for counter-terrorism, cybercrime, arms trafficking, organised crime, border security and other offences with interstate or international implications.

To prevent abuse, the bill contains safeguards prohibiting governors from deploying state police services for partisan, ethnic, religious or personal purposes. Independent State Police Service Commissions would oversee recruitment, promotions, discipline and administration.

The legislation also provides for federal intervention in exceptional circumstances, including threats to national security, electoral intimidation, operational collapse of a state police service or serious violations of fundamental rights. Such intervention would require presidential authorisation and remain subject to Senate oversight and judicial review.

Senators across party lines largely backed the proposal. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who seconded the bill, said worsening insecurity had convinced him of the need for state policing, while Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Chief Whip Tahir Monguno described the reform as a necessary response to Nigeria’s security realities.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended lawmakers for what he called a patriotic consideration of a transformative piece of legislation, expressing confidence that the reform would strengthen efforts to combat crime and bring policing closer to local communities.

With the House of Representatives having already passed the bill, attention now shifts to state legislatures whose approval will determine whether Nigeria finally embraces state policing after years of national debate.