Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured Nigerians that the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police contains robust legal safeguards designed to prevent governors from turning the security outfit into personal or political armies.
Abbas gave the assurance amid growing national debate over the creation of state police, a proposal many stakeholders believe is necessary to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity but which has also generated concerns over possible abuse by state governments.
According to the Speaker, the National Assembly is fully aware of fears that state governors could misuse state-controlled police formations to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent, or interfere with democratic processes. He stressed that lawmakers are carefully drafting the constitutional framework to ensure the proposed policing system remains accountable, professional, and subject to multiple layers of oversight.
He maintained that the intention behind the state police initiative is to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture rather than weaken democratic governance.
Addressing Public Concerns
The debate over state policing has intensified in recent years as Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, and other violent crimes across different regions.
While many governors, traditional rulers, security experts, and civil society organizations have argued that centralized policing has become overstretched, critics warn that giving governors direct control over armed security personnel could lead to political intimidation, particularly during elections.
Responding to these concerns, Abbas said the constitutional amendment being considered by the House is designed to ensure state police operate within clearly defined legal boundaries.
He emphasized that governors would not possess unchecked authority over the proposed police formations, noting that accountability mechanisms, operational guidelines, and institutional checks would be embedded in the legislation.
According to him, lawmakers are determined to build a policing structure that balances operational efficiency with constitutional safeguards.
Constitutional Safeguards Under Consideration
Although deliberations on the constitutional amendment are still ongoing, Abbas explained that the proposed framework seeks to establish independent oversight systems capable of preventing abuse of power.
He said the National Assembly is consulting widely with stakeholders, including security agencies, legal experts, state governments, civil society groups, and constitutional scholars to develop a model that reflects Nigeria’s democratic values.
The Speaker noted that one of the priorities of the constitutional review process is ensuring that state police remain accountable not only to state authorities but also to established legal institutions responsible for protecting citizens’ rights.
He stressed that the objective is to create professional policing institutions that serve communities rather than political interests.
Growing Calls for Decentralised Policing
Nigeria currently operates a centralized policing system under the Nigeria Police Force, which is constitutionally controlled by the Federal Government.
However, increasing security challenges have renewed calls for decentralization, with advocates arguing that officers recruited locally would possess better knowledge of their communities, local languages, terrain, and emerging security threats.
Supporters believe state police would improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid emergency response, and complement federal security agencies in combating crime.
Several state governments have already established regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West, Ebube Agu in parts of the South-East, and various local security initiatives across the country. However, these organizations have limited constitutional policing powers.
The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to provide a legal framework for state-controlled police institutions while maintaining coordination with federal security agencies.
National Assembly Committed to Security Reforms
Abbas reiterated that improving Nigeria’s internal security remains one of the priority areas of the 10th National Assembly.
He said lawmakers recognize that insecurity continues to affect economic growth, investment, agriculture, education, and national development.
According to him, constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening policing are part of broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s security institutions and improve public safety.
The Speaker also noted that effective policing requires adequate funding, training, professionalism, modern equipment, intelligence sharing, and respect for human rights.
He emphasized that creating state police alone would not solve Nigeria’s security challenges unless supported by institutional reforms and accountability measures.
Stakeholders Divided
Opinions remain divided over the proposed establishment of state police.
Many governors have consistently advocated for decentralization, arguing that the current centralized policing structure cannot adequately respond to localized security threats across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Security analysts have similarly argued that community-based policing could improve crime prevention through stronger relationships between law enforcement officers and local communities.
However, opponents continue to express concerns about political interference.
Some legal experts fear that governors could deploy state police against opposition parties, journalists, labour unions, and civil society organizations if sufficient constitutional safeguards are not implemented.
Others have called for independent state police service commissions, judicial oversight, transparent recruitment processes, and clearly defined operational limits to prevent abuse.
Building Public Confidence
Abbas acknowledged these concerns, assuring Nigerians that the National Assembly has no intention of approving any legislation that could undermine democracy or fundamental human rights.
He said the constitutional amendment process remains transparent and inclusive, encouraging citizens to continue participating in public consultations.
The Speaker explained that public input is critical to producing legislation capable of addressing Nigeria’s unique security realities while preserving constitutional governance.
He maintained that the House remains committed to passing reforms that enjoy broad national support and reflect the country’s democratic aspirations.
Security Challenges Demand Innovative Solutions
Nigeria has witnessed increasing attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal groups in recent years, placing enormous pressure on federal security agencies.
Analysts argue that policing a country with over 200 million people using a single centralized police command presents significant operational challenges.
Supporters of state police believe decentralization could improve operational efficiency by allowing states to respond more quickly to emerging security threats while maintaining cooperation with federal authorities.
Nevertheless, experts insist that any new policing structure must be accompanied by strict accountability mechanisms, independent oversight institutions, and constitutional protections against political misuse.
Looking Ahead
As deliberations on the constitutional amendment continue, the establishment of state police remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched governance reforms.
The assurances provided by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas are expected to reassure many Nigerians who support decentralised policing but remain cautious about potential abuse by political office holders.
Whether the proposed safeguards will satisfy critics will likely become clearer as the National Assembly concludes work on the constitutional amendment and releases the final legislative framework.
For now, lawmakers insist that the objective is not to create private security forces for governors but to build a more responsive, accountable, and effective policing system capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges while protecting democratic principles and the rule of law.
Sources:
- House of Representatives
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
- The Nation
- Vanguard
- Daily Trust
