FG, Reps Shift Positions on State Police Bill

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a revised Executive Bill on state policing to the National Assembly, proposing broader federal powers to intervene in the operations of state police services while introducing new safeguards aimed at preventing political abuse.

The proposal replaces an earlier version passed by the House of Representatives as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced that lawmakers would withdraw the House bill to allow expedited consideration of the Executive version, describing it as more comprehensive.

Speaking during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Abbas said the new legislation was developed by a presidential committee chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. He assured Nigerians that the bill would still undergo public hearings and legislative scrutiny before any final decision is reached.

A major feature of the Executive Bill is the expansion of situations where the Federal Government may intervene in a state’s police operations. Beyond responding to a breakdown of law and order or acting on a governor’s request, the proposal also permits federal intervention where there is evidence of widespread human rights violations, partisan policing, ethnic or religious persecution, or threats to national security. The bill further requires such interventions to be temporary, proportionate, authorised in writing by the President, and subject to oversight by the National Assembly and judicial review.

The proposed legislation also clearly separates the responsibilities of the Federal Police Service and State Police Services. While the Federal Police would handle national security matters such as terrorism, cybercrime, border security, organised crime and policing in the Federal Capital Territory, state police would focus on enforcing state laws, maintaining public order, and protecting lives and property within their respective states.

To address concerns about political interference, the bill prohibits governors from directing state police to target named individuals, political parties or specific groups outside the provisions of the law. It also strengthens the security of tenure for both the Inspector-General of Police and state Commissioners of Police by requiring legislative approval before their removal.

If eventually passed, the Executive Bill would establish a constitutional framework for national policing standards covering recruitment, training, discipline, accountability, use of force, complaints procedures and inter-agency cooperation. The proposal also streamlines the composition of key oversight bodies compared to the earlier House version, leaving many membership details to be determined by future legislation…See More