Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has assured Nigerians that the proposed State Police Bill contains safeguards against political abuse.
He said the constitutional amendment will prevent governors and other political actors from turning state police into private security outfits.
Abbas spoke on Wednesday during the National Security Roundtable, held as part of activities marking the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja.
Abbas addresses fears over state police
The Speaker acknowledged that many Nigerians remain concerned about possible abuse of state police.
However, he said those who drafted the bill anticipated those fears and introduced constitutional safeguards to address them.
“I understand the concern that many people bring to this discussion, and it is a reasonable one. It is the fear that a State Police could become the private army of a governor or a political godfather.”
He added that the drafters of the legislation shared similar concerns while preparing the proposal.
“The people who drafted this Bill had the same fear, and they answered it.”
Governors won’t control police appointments
Abbas explained that governors would not have exclusive powers to appoint or remove state Commissioners of Police.
Instead, the National Police Council would recommend appointments. State Houses of Assembly would then confirm the nominees.
He also said lawmakers must approve any removal by a two-thirds majority. Such action must also rest on proven misconduct.
Federal Police can intervene under strict conditions
The Speaker said the proposed amendment allows the Federal Police to intervene if a state police service becomes compromised.
However, he stressed that the Constitution limits such intervention to clearly defined situations.
According to Abbas, any intervention must come in writing and last for only a limited period.
He added that authorities must notify the governor and the National Assembly within 48 hours.
The courts would also retain oversight throughout the process.
“If a State Police breaks down, or falls into the wrong hands, or turns against the very people it should protect, the Constitution allows the Federal Police to step in.”
Tinubu’s bill seeks major policing reform
Abbas described President Bola Tinubu‘s Executive Bill on state police as a historic step.
He noted that previous administrations debated the issue without introducing comprehensive reforms.
According to him, Nigeria’s current policing structure can no longer address evolving security challenges across the country.
He cited banditry, kidnapping, attacks on schools and farmer-herder clashes as examples.
“A country as large and as varied as ours cannot be policed forever by one central Force run from the capital.”
How the proposed system will work
Abbas said the amendment would rename the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service.
States that satisfy constitutional requirements would also establish their own police services.
No state, however, can launch a police service without passing an enabling law through its House of Assembly.
Each state must also satisfy operational standards approved by the National Assembly.
Under the proposal, the Federal Police Service would continue handling terrorism, border security, federal offences and policing the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, state police would focus on maintaining law and order within their respective states.
Independent State Police Service Commissions would supervise the outfits.
Abbas said the commissions would also ensure that state police do not promote political, ethnic or religious interests.
Stakeholders seek broader security reforms
The Speaker urged lawmakers to carefully review issues such as funding, intelligence sharing and operational standards before passing the bill.
He also proposed a phased implementation model.
According to him, the National Assembly should first enact a National Minimum Standards Act before any state establishes its own police service.
Abbas further called for sustainable funding to prevent state police from becoming ineffective.
Beyond state police, he advocated stronger intelligence sharing, improved border security and better welfare for security personnel.
Other speakers also backed wider security reforms during the roundtable.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers and greater community participation in intelligence gathering.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), advocated intelligence-led operations and stronger institutional cooperation.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also backed intelligence-driven policing and increased use of artificial intelligence, biometric systems and forensic technology.
The Etsu Nupe, Brig.-Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (retd.), endorsed the state police proposal, describing it as necessary for improving community security.
The United Kingdom’s Head of Development Cooperation, Cynthia Rowe, welcomed the consultation process and urged continued engagement with civil society.
Read also: IGP says state police will bring security closer to Nigerians
