The House of Representatives has approved constitutional amendments to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a major step toward restructuring the country’s internal security system.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, seeks to create state-controlled police forces operating alongside the federal police, with national standards and oversight mechanisms.
The vote, which passed 289–4 under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, followed the resolution of an internal leadership dispute, including the appointment of a minority leader and deputy.
Lawmakers say the reform is aimed at addressing rising insecurity, including terrorism and violent crime across the country. However, critics have raised concerns that state governors could misuse the proposed police structure if safeguards are weak.
The amendment now moves to the Senate for concurrence, after which it will require approval from state assemblies and presidential assent before becoming law.