Nigeria’s long-running debate over state police may finally be approaching a major turning point, following confirmation that 28 state Houses of Assembly have approved the constitutional amendment needed to establish state-controlled police forces.
The National Assembly says the required constitutional threshold has been met, paving the way for the bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. If signed into law, the reform would represent a major change to Nigeria’s security structure, which currently operates under a centralised federal police system.
The development is already generating conversations across the country, especially among Nigerians who believe state police could help governors and local communities respond more quickly to insecurity.
However, the proposal also raises important questions about accountability, political interference and the protection of citizens’ rights. Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the proposed reform can deliver better security without turning police institutions into political tools.
