Nigeria Approaches Decentralised Policing as 30 State Assemblies Ratify State Police Bill
30 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies have ratified a constitutional amendment to create state police services, surpassing the two‑thirds threshold of 24 states required for passage
In Brief
- •30 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies have ratified a constitutional amendment to create state police services, surpassing the two‑thirds threshold of 24 states required for passage
- •The amendment was approved by the Senate on June 24, 2026 and by the House of Representatives on July 23, 2026, and was transmitted to state legislatures on September 16, 2026
- •The National Policing Bill, which will set out recruitment, training, funding and jurisdiction for the new forces, was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Justice on October 19, 2026
- •The reform establishes a dual policing system that retains the federal police for national offences while delegating local security to state forces
- •Experts warn that operational forces are unlikely to be ready before the 2027 general elections due to funding, capacity and institutional challenges
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s move toward decentralised policing marks a significant shift in the country’s security architecture, potentially allowing faster, locally tailored responses to crime and community concerns. However, the success of the reform hinges on establishing robust training, funding, and oversight mechanisms, and delays could leave the 2027 elections vulnerable to security gaps. The decision reflects broader debates on balancing federal oversight with state autonomy in law enforcement. The implementation of state police forces could reshape Nigeria’s public safety landscape, influencing everything from crime statistics to public trust in law‑enforcement agencies. The transition also raises questions about resource allocation, human rights standards, and inter‑agency coordination, making it a pivotal development for policymakers, security experts, and citizens alike.
Key Details
- State Assemblies Ratified
- 30 of 36
- Constitutional Amendment Threshold
- 24 states
- Senate Approval Date
- June 24, 2026
- House of Representatives Approval Date
- July 23, 2026
- Draft Bill Submission Date
- October 19, 2026
- Projected Operational Timeline
- Beyond 2027 elections
Original Reporting & Sources
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