SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (STATE POLICE BILL)

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SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (STATE POLICE BILL)



1. Creation of Two Police Systems


The amendment replaces the current single Nigeria Police Force structure with:


Federal Police (national-level policing)


State Police (one police force for each State)



Each State can only operate its police after:


Passing a State law, and


Meeting national minimum standards certified by a federal framework.



Until then, the Federal Police remains in full control of policing in that State.

2. Division of Responsibilities


Federal Police


Responsible for:


National security and public order


Federal crimes and interstate issues


Supporting State Police when necessary


Full control of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

State Police


Responsible for:


Local law enforcement within the State


Internal security issues


Community policing and crime control at state level

3. Limits on Federal Intervention


Federal Police cannot freely take over State policing. Intervention is only allowed when:


There is a serious breakdown of law and order


The Governor requests assistance


The State Police is unable to function


Even then, intervention must be approved by the National Police Council.

4. Leadership Structure


Federal Police


Headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)


Appointed by the President (with National Police Council advice)


Must be confirmed by the National Assembly


State Police


Headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP)


Appointed by the Governor (with National Police Council advice)


Must be confirmed by the State House of Assembly

5. Removal of Top Officers


Strict removal rules to prevent abuse:


IGP or State CP can only be removed:


For misconduct, corruption, incapacity, etc.


With National Police Council recommendation


And 2/3 legislative approval (National Assembly or State Assembly)

6. Funding System


Federal Government may provide grants to State Police


Funding must be approved through the National Assembly


7. Oversight Bodies


National Police Council (NPC)


A powerful supervisory body overseeing both systems:


Federal + State representatives


Attorneys-General (Federal & States)


Civil society groups (NBA, NUJ, NLC, NHRC)


Traditional rulers and retired police officers


Functions:


Policy direction


Standards and training


Discipline and appointments (top levels)


Coordination between federal and state policing


State Police Service Commission


Created in each state:


Handles recruitment, discipline, and promotion (below senior ranks)


Sends top officer recommendations to the NPC


Ensures local accountability

8. Legislative Powers


National Assembly


Controls:


National policing standards


Federal Police structure


Minimum standards for State Police


Weapons control, intelligence systems, coordination rules

State Houses of Assembly


Control:


Creation and operation of State Police


Local funding and administration BUT must follow national minimum standards.

9. Key Safeguards


States cannot create weak or abusive police forces


Federal Police cannot dominate State Police operations


Governors and President both have structured control powers


National Police Council acts as a balance mechanism




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🔎 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NIGERIA


Potential Benefits


Faster local response to crime


More community-focused policing


Reduced over-centralization of power


Better intelligence at state level



Possible Risks/Concerns


Risk of political misuse by Governors


Uneven policing standards across states


Coordination challenges between federal and state forces


Funding inequalities between richer and poorer states

📌 SIMPLE CONCLUSION

This amendment is designed to decentralize policing in Nigeria, allowing States to run their own police forces while the Federal Police handles national security and coordination.


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