Nigeria's House Passes Bill HB 617 for Police Decentralization

On June 10, 2026, the 10th House of Representatives passed Bill HB 617, a significant legislative move aimed at decentralizing law enforcement in Nigeria. The bill received support from 289 lawmakers, with only four opposing votes, marking a historic shift from a decade of centralized policing.

Co-sponsored by Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, the bill seeks to empower subnational governments to establish and manage distinct police frameworks, addressing persistent security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping. This legislative breakthrough follows previous unsuccessful attempts in the 8th and 9th National Assemblies.

The bill proposes a transfer of police powers from the exclusive legislative list to a concurrent legislative list, allowing state governments legal authority over policing. The Senate is expected to pass its version of the bill shortly.

The successful passage of HB 617 is viewed as a crucial step towards enhancing regional security and is aligned with ongoing structural security reforms in Nigeria.