- The Senate said the State Police Bill includes safeguards against abuse
- It said federal police can intervene in cases of electoral intimidation and security threats
- Lawmakers said the bill received broad bipartisan support in the Senate
The Senate has defended the proposed State Police Bill, insisting that the legislation includes strong constitutional measures to prevent governors from misusing state police for political purposes.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that it also explained that the proposed law empowers the Nigeria Police Force to step in whenever there are cases of electoral intimidation, widespread human rights violations, a breakdown of public order or threats to national security.
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In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the bill clearly defines the duties of both the federal and state police to ensure effective coordination and reduce operational conflicts.
According to him, the federal police will retain responsibility for protecting federal institutions, securing the Federal Capital Territory, combating terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, arms trafficking, border security and other offences that affect national security.
He added that state police would focus on enforcing state laws, maintaining law and order, and protecting lives and property within their respective states.
Responding to concerns that governors could use state police to harass political opponents, Bamidele said the proposed amendment contains several checks designed to guarantee the independence of the system.
He explained that while governors may nominate commissioners of police, the appointments would only take effect after recommendations from the National Police Council and approval by a two thirds majority of the relevant State House of Assembly.
The Senate Leader also said the bill proposes the establishment of an independent State Police Service Commission to regulate the activities of state police without interference from governors.
According to him, the commission will have the constitutional authority to make regulations and perform its duties independently, without requiring approval from any state governor.
Bamidele stated that the federal police would only intervene in state policing under clearly defined circumstances, including situations where public order has collapsed, state police become ineffective, serious violations of fundamental rights occur, electoral violence or intimidation is recorded, or national security is under significant threat.
He dismissed claims that the proposal was politically motivated, saying the bill was the product of extensive consultations involving the executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police.
He also disclosed that public hearings held across the country’s six geopolitical zones in 2025 attracted broad support for the establishment of state police.
Bamidele further revealed that the bill enjoyed strong bipartisan backing in the National Assembly, noting that 84 of the Senate’s 109 members voted in favour of the legislation during its clause by clause consideration.
He said the level of support demonstrated that lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties considered the proposal to be in the national interest.
The Senate Leader maintained that the constitutional amendment is intended to improve security across the country while preserving democratic principles, strengthening accountability and protecting the rights of all Nigerians.
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