The Senate on Thursday passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to reform its security architecture and strengthen federalism.

The Executive Bill, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, was first read on Tuesday before undergoing accelerated legislative consideration that culminated in its passage following extensive debate on the Senate floor.

Lawmakers described the legislation as one of the most consequential constitutional reforms in Nigeria's democratic history, citing the urgent need to address growing security challenges across the federation.

In a related development, the Senate also approved an amendment increasing the allocation to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund from the Consolidated Revenue Fund from 0.5 per cent to one per cent, a move aimed at boosting funding for law enforcement and enhancing operational effectiveness.

The debate attracted the presence of several top government officials, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the bill as a historic response to a long-standing national conversation on policing and security administration.

"This Bill represents one of the most significant constitutional reforms in our nation's democratic evolution," Bamidele said.

"It addresses a long-standing national conversation on the structure, effectiveness, responsiveness and sustainability of policing in the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

According to him, the proposed framework empowers the National Assembly to establish national minimum standards covering recruitment, training, promotions, discipline, accountability mechanisms, data management and professional conduct for state police services.

He noted that the standards would ensure professionalism and uniformity across the country while preserving operational efficiency at the state level.

Addressing concerns that state governors could misuse state police for political purposes, Bamidele said the legislation contains safeguards against abuse.

"One of the major concerns expressed regarding the establishment of state police is the potential for political abuse by state governments.

"This Bill directly addresses that concern by prohibiting any governor from directing a State Police Service to unlawfully target specific persons, political parties, groups or associations."

The Senate Leader added that any federal intervention in state policing matters would require written presidential authorisation, be subject to Senate oversight and remain open to judicial review.

Several lawmakers who had previously expressed reservations about state police threw their support behind the bill.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said worsening insecurity had persuaded him to support the proposal.

Similarly, former Sokoto State Governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, argued that state police would deepen federalism and improve security at the grassroots level.

Chief Whip Tahir Monguno also backed the amendment, describing it as a practical response to the country's evolving security challenges.

At the conclusion of deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised lawmakers for what he described as a landmark legislative achievement.

He expressed confidence that the proposed reform would significantly strengthen Nigeria's capacity to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities while bringing law enforcement closer to local communities.

The bill will now proceed to the next stage of the constitutional amendment process. Following concurrence by the House of Representatives, it will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, where approval by at least 24 state legislatures will be required before it can be presented to the President for assent.

Sanwo-Olu Hails Passage of Bill

Reacting to the Senate's decision, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated President Tinubu, describing the passage of the State Police Bill as an "epochal" moment in Nigeria's democratic journey.

In a statement personally signed by him, the governor said the development demonstrated the President's longstanding commitment to true federalism and effective security governance.

"Today is a great day for our country; a day to celebrate the triumph of genuine democratic and developmental ideas over parochial sentiments," Sanwo-Olu stated.

"State Police has been top of mind for President Tinubu since 1999 when he governed Lagos.

"We are happy to witness its emergence in Nigeria, and all thanks to a leader whose life is defined by service to our nation."

The governor also urged State Houses of Assembly across the country to support the constitutional amendment, describing it as a major step toward improving security and tackling criminality nationwide.

If eventually ratified by the required number of state legislatures and signed into law, the State Police Bill is expected to fundamentally reshape Nigeria's policing structure and usher in a new era of decentralised law enforcement.