Nigeria’s House of Representatives is set to vote on a package of constitutional amendment bills that could reshape the country’s security architecture, including a proposal to create a legal framework for state police.
The final copies of the Constitution Alteration Bills were released ahead of consideration during plenary, marking a key stage in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
The proposed amendments, developed by the House Committee on Constitution Review, followed months of consultations with lawmakers, government agencies, professional bodies, civil society groups, traditional institutions and citizens nationwide.
According to a statement by the House spokesperson, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, the review process involved public hearings, stakeholder consultations and expert engagements across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The bills cover several major areas, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, fiscal reforms, human rights, devolution of powers, institutional strengthening and governance reforms.
The proposed establishment of state police remains one of the most closely watched reforms, with lawmakers arguing that decentralised policing could improve Nigeria’s response to rising security challenges.
If approved, the framework would create a multi-level policing structure, with defined responsibilities, oversight mechanisms and safeguards aimed at balancing state and federal security powers.
Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the development as a major step toward building a more responsive governance system.
He said the proposed reforms reflect extensive consultations and represent Nigerians’ demands for stronger institutions, improved security and deeper democratic governance.
“The proposal on State Police responds to longstanding calls for a more effective and decentralised policing framework capable of addressing emerging security challenges across the federation,” Kalu said.
The House is expected to begin voting on the bills during plenary, subject to meeting the required constitutional quorum. If the quorum is not achieved, consideration will move to another legislative day.
The constitutional amendment process is being closely monitored by businesses, investors and security analysts, as changes to Nigeria’s policing structure could have implications for economic stability, investment confidence and regional security.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts, increasing calls for reforms that allow security responses to better reflect local realities.
