Nigerian Senate defends state police bill, citing broad bipartisan support

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, clarified that the bill resulted from years of consultations, public hearings, and engagements with various stakeholders, including the Executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Nigeria Police leadership. He dismissed claims of partisan interests, highlighting that opposition legislators participated actively. Bamidele noted that public hearings in July 2025 across the six geopolitical zones showed overwhelming support for state police.

He argued that the current security system is overstretched and that the proposed amendment clearly defines responsibilities for federal and state police to prevent conflicts. Federal police would handle national security matters, while state police would enforce state laws and maintain public order. The bill includes safeguards against abuse by governors, such as requiring National Police Council recommendations and two-thirds majority approval from the relevant state House of Assembly for police commissioner appointments.

A State Police Service Commission would independently regulate state police operations, and federal intervention would only occur under specific conditions like a breakdown of public order or threats to national security.