Nigeria Moves Towards Establishing State Police System

Nigeria is on the verge of reforming its policing system by potentially establishing state police, a subject debated for decades. The constitutional amendment is necessary to create a dual policing system, allowing both a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.

Currently, Nigeria’s Constitution only permits one police force, as outlined in Section 214. Both chambers of the National Assembly have approved proposed changes, but the process requires further harmonization and approval from at least 24 of the 36 state parliaments before it can receive presidential assent.

The Presidential Working Group is preparing the National Policing Bill, which will set national standards for various aspects of policing, including recruitment, training, and oversight. Even after the constitutional amendment, each state must establish its own laws and institutions to create a state police service.

The aim of these reforms is to provide policing that is more responsive to local conditions while safeguarding citizens from abuse.