Nigeria’s proposed State Police Bill has introduced a new framework clearly defining where the authority of the Federal Police ends and that of State Police begins, marking a major shift from the country’s long-standing centralized policing system. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish both forces as co-equal institutions with distinct responsibilities under the law.
Under the bill, the Federal Police will retain nationwide responsibility for matters within the Exclusive Legislative List, national security, and policing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In contrast, State Police will be responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective states on matters falling under state constitutional powers.
The proposal provides that no State Police can commence operations until the relevant State House of Assembly passes an enabling law and the force is certified as meeting national minimum standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. Until then, the Federal Police will continue performing policing duties within that state to prevent any security vacuum.
The bill also limits federal interference in the operations of State Police. Once a State Police becomes operational, the Federal Police cannot intervene in a state’s internal security affairs except where there is a complete breakdown of law and order, where the governor formally requests assistance, or where the State Police becomes inoperative due to administrative or financial challenges. Any such intervention must receive approval from the National Police Council.
Supporters argue that the proposed reforms will strengthen community policing, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance security response across the federation. However, critics continue to express concerns over possible political abuse of State Police by governors and the financial capacity of many states to sustain independent police services.
