A proposed constitutional amendment before Nigeria’s National Assembly could fundamentally reshape the country’s security structure by ending the long-standing federal monopoly on policing and introducing state-controlled police forces.
For over two decades, Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution prohibited the creation of any police force outside the Nigeria Police Force. The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeks to remove that restriction and establish a dual policing system made up of Federal and State Police.
Under the bill, the Federal Police would retain nationwide authority but operate within clearly defined limits tied to federal responsibilities. State Police, on the other hand, would handle security and public order within their respective states.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would remain under the exclusive control of the Federal Police, with no role for state forces.
Before any state police can begin operations, states must pass enabling laws and meet national minimum standards set by the National Assembly. Until then, the Federal Police will continue to provide security in those states to avoid gaps.
The bill also introduces a non-interference rule, preventing Federal Police from operating in states with functional State Police except under specific conditions, such as a breakdown of law and order, a formal request by a governor, or the failure of a State Police system. Any federal intervention must be approved by the National Police Council.
Command structures for both forces would remain separate. The President would oversee the Federal Police through the Inspector-General, while governors would control State Police through Commissioners. However, State Commissioners can challenge unlawful directives from governors through the National Police Council, a safeguard not extended at the federal level.
While the bill outlines operational and legal frameworks, it leaves major questions about funding unresolved. States are expected to finance their police forces, with the Federal Government only providing discretionary grants subject to approval by both the National Police Council and the National Assembly.
This contrasts sharply with proposed reforms for the Armed Forces, which seek guaranteed funding directly from the national treasury.
Lawmakers have acknowledged the funding gap, noting that details will likely be addressed in a revised Police Act. However, concerns remain that poorer states may struggle to establish and sustain police forces, potentially creating unequal security systems across the country.
If passed, the amendment would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s federal structure, but its success may depend largely on how funding and implementation are handled in subsequent legislation.
