Nigerian Senate Fast-Tracks State Police Constitutional Amendment

The Nigerian Senate began urgent deliberations this week on a constitutional amendment to establish state police as a primary measure to combat growing national insecurity. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced that the legislature will isolate the state police provision from other constitutional review items to accelerate its passage.

Following approval by the Senate, the bill must be transmitted to the 36 state houses of assembly. At least two-thirds of these assemblies must endorse the measure before it reaches President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for final assent. The initiative reportedly has the support of the president and a majority of state governors.

The National Assembly coordinated the framework through consultations with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Chief of Staff to the President. These efforts involved collaborations between the Senate and House of Representatives committees responsible for reviewing the 1999 Constitution.