BY PROGRESS OKPORIE
Nigeria is moving closer to one of its most significant security reforms in decades as lawmakers consider a constitutional amendment that would end the country’s long-standing single-police system and establish separate Federal and State Police forces.
The proposed Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeks to replace Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, which currently permits only one national police force. If passed, the legislation would create a dual policing structure aimed at improving security, strengthening federalism and giving states greater responsibility for maintaining law and order.
Under the proposal, the Federal Police would retain nationwide responsibilities over matters within the Federal Government’s constitutional authority, while State Police would handle internal security and public order within their respective states. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, would remain exclusively under the Federal Police.
The bill also introduces a certification process before any state can establish its own police force. A State House of Assembly must first pass enabling legislation, after which the proposed State Police must meet national minimum standards set by an Act of the National Assembly before becoming operational. Until certification is granted, the Federal Police will continue policing that state.
To prevent conflicts between the two forces, the bill bars the Federal Police from interfering in the internal security operations of an operational State Police except under limited circumstances. These include a complete breakdown of law and order, a formal request by a state governor, or situations where a State Police becomes unable to function due to administrative or financial challenges. Any such intervention must first receive approval from the National Police Council.
The proposed amendment establishes separate command structures for both forces. The Federal Police would be led by an Inspector-General of Police appointed by the President, while each State Police would be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the respective governor, subject to legislative confirmation and oversight by the National Police Council.
Funding remains one of the biggest unresolved issues. The bill places primary financial responsibility on state governments, while federal assistance would come through grants recommended by the National Police Council and approved by the National Assembly. However, it does not specify how such grants would be allocated or guaranteed.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu acknowledged concerns over funding, saying lawmakers are working on mechanisms to ensure finances do not become a barrier to state policing. He added that a new Police Act, expected after the constitutional amendment, will provide detailed implementation guidelines, including funding arrangements, operational standards and accountability measures.
Analysts say the proposal could transform Nigeria’s security architecture by decentralising policing. However, concerns remain that wealthier states may establish effective police forces more quickly than poorer states, potentially creating unequal security capacity across the country unless future legislation introduces balanced funding mechanisms.
The constitutional amendment remains before the National Assembly for consideration.
