Nigeria’s proposed transition to a dual policing system has moved closer to implementation after 24 State Houses of Assembly approved the constitutional amendment required to establish state police, according to the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill.
The development marks a significant stage in the country’s long-running debate over how to address insecurity, improve law enforcement and make policing more responsive to local communities.
The approval meets the constitutional threshold of two-thirds of the 36 state assemblies. The amendment, which has also passed through both chambers of the National Assembly, can now proceed through the remaining constitutional steps, including transmission to the President for assent.
The proposed framework is expected to provide the constitutional foundation for a dual policing arrangement in which federal and state authorities would operate policing structures under defined legal provisions.
Supporters of state police have argued that Nigeria’s security challenges require a system capable of responding more quickly to local threats. They maintain that state-based policing could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community relationships and reduce the pressure on federal security agencies.
However, the proposal also raises questions about funding, training, accountability and political independence. Critics have expressed concern that state governors or other influential political figures could attempt to use local police structures against opponents if adequate safeguards are not established.
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These concerns make the details of the proposed legislation particularly important. Clear recruitment standards, independent complaints mechanisms, transparent operational rules and judicial oversight could help determine whether the arrangement strengthens public confidence.
The Presidential Working Group said the draft National Policing Bill was undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice, with the process expected to return to the group by October 30, 2026.
The next stage will therefore be crucial in translating the constitutional amendment into a workable policing structure.
For Nigerians, the central question is whether the reform will lead to safer communities, faster responses to crime and greater accountability.
Although the approval represents progress, the ultimate success of state police will depend on implementation, adequate resources and safeguards against abuse. The country’s security agencies, state governments and lawmakers will face the task of ensuring that the new arrangement improves public safety without weakening citizens’ rights.
