The Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria.
The legislation introduces a dual policing structure made up of a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
The bill scaled second and third readings after extensive consideration by lawmakers on the Senate floor.
Its passage followed a clause-by-clause review and received the support of more than two-thirds of senators.
A major provision empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by state Houses of Assembly.
The proposed framework also gives governors authority to issue lawful policy directives on public safety and order within their jurisdictions.
Lawmakers included safeguards aimed at preventing the misuse of state police by political office holders.
Under the bill, state police officers are prohibited from targeting individuals, groups or political parties solely for criticising government policies or actions.
The legislation further grants the Federal Police Service powers to intervene in a state during serious security emergencies or breakdowns in public order.
Such intervention must be authorised in writing by the President and communicated to relevant authorities, including the National Assembly.
The bill was transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen policing at the grassroots.
Supporters believe state police will improve intelligence gathering and response to crime, while critics continue to express concerns about political interference, funding challenges and potential abuse of power.