The Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant step toward decentralising the country’s policing system.

The landmark legislation, approved by more than two-thirds of senators through a manual voting process, provides for the creation of state police services to operate alongside the federal police structure. Under the bill, state governors will have the power to appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective state Houses of Assembly.

The proposed amendment also grants governors the authority to issue lawful policy directives on public safety and order, while incorporating safeguards to prevent the misuse of state police against political opponents, journalists, activists and dissenting voices.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the bill’s passage following consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, presented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. The debate was led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who described the reform as crucial to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The bill now advances to the next constitutional stages, including approval by state Houses of Assembly, before it can become law. If eventually enacted, it is expected to significantly reshape Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen responses to local security threats.