President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has passed the police amendments bill to the senate for consideration and passage giving way to state police
The Senate is expected to pass the constitutional amendment bill establishing state police during an emergency plenary session barring any unforeseen circumstances.
The decision comes after the upper chamber failed to reach the required two thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments before senators proceeded on a three week recess earlier this month.
A senior Senate official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that intensive consultations have been held with lawmakers across party lines to ensure full attendance at the emergency sitting.
We previously could not form the constitutionally mandated two thirds majority of 109 senators required for constitutional amendments. The leadership has engaged members extensively, and there is strong optimism that we will have the required numbers, the source stated.
The emergency session is scheduled for 11 a.m on Tuesday, following a formal notice issued on June 15 by Senate Clerk Emmanuel Odo. The memo indicated that Senate President Godswill Akpabio convened the sitting to address matters critical to national stability and security.
The Senate regrets any inconvenience and urges all distinguished senators to make necessary arrangements to attend, the notice read.
The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill before the recess, positioning the legislation as one of the most significant constitutional reform efforts in recent years.
Proponents of the bill argue that decentralizing policing powers would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen community based security operations, and enable states to respond more effectively to local threats.
Nigeria currently maintains a centralized policing system under federal control through the Nigeria Police Force. However, persistent security challenges including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence have intensified calls for state level police formations.
Supporters believe state police would complement federal security efforts and improve law enforcement efficiency, while critics warn about potential political misuse by state governments.
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