Nigerian Senate Passes Bill for State Police Establishment

The Nigerian Senate passed a bill on Wednesday to establish state police, driven by national consensus rather than political considerations. The bill received support from two-thirds of the Senate, with 84 out of 109 members voting in favor, reflecting a significant bipartisan backing despite the opposition from major parties like the APC and PDP.

Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the bill as a necessary response to the country's security challenges, emphasizing that it was not a product of political expediency. The proposal underwent extensive consultation and scrutiny, involving various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors Forum and state legislative speakers.

Public hearings were conducted across six geopolitical zones in July 2025, with overwhelming support for the creation of state police. The bill aims to enhance accountability and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse by political actors.

Bamidele called for constructive contributions from opposition parties to promote peace and stability in Nigeria.