From Ebohon Joan
Legal practitioner, Barr. Joy Ene, has described the proposed State Police Bill as one of the most significant constitutional reforms Nigeria has considered since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999. According to her, if it successfully completes the constitutional amendment process and becomes law, it will fundamentally reshape the country’s policing architecture by allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Barr. Ene explained that under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police would continue to handle national security issues such as terrorism, cybercrime, border security and interstate offences, while state police would focus on maintaining law and order within their respective states. She noted that this dual policing structure has the potential to improve security, but its success will depend on how it is implemented.
According to Barr. Ene, one of the strongest arguments in favour of state police is its ability to strengthen grassroots security. She said officers recruited from local communities are more likely to understand the language, culture, terrain and peculiar security challenges of the areas they serve. This local knowledge, she added, can enhance intelligence gathering, improve crime prevention and foster stronger relationships between the police and the communities they protect.
She further stated that the proposed reform could lead to faster responses during emergencies. At present, operational decisions often flow through a central command structure. A state-controlled police service, she argued, could respond more quickly to incidents such as kidnappings, communal clashes and violent attacks without waiting for directives from Abuja.
Barr. Ene also identified accountability as another major advantage. Because state governments are closer to the people, she said residents may find it easier to demand improved policing and hold public officials accountable for the performance of their state’s police service. At the same time, she noted that state police could ease the enormous burden currently placed on the Nigeria Police Force, which is responsible for policing a population of over 200 million people.
Beyond security, Barr. Ene argued that the bill reflects the principles of true federalism. In many federations around the world, sub-national governments play active roles in policing, just as they do in sectors such as education and healthcare. Decentralising policing, she said, could therefore be viewed as a logical evolution of Nigeria’s federal system.
Despite these potential benefits, Barr. Ene acknowledged that legitimate concerns remain.
She identified political interference as the greatest challenge facing the proposed reform. According to her, critics fear that governors could misuse state police to intimidate political opponents, journalists, activists or opposition parties, particularly during elections. Nigeria’s political history, she noted, makes this concern difficult to dismiss and underscores the need for robust constitutional safeguards.
Barr. Ene also pointed to funding as a significant challenge. She observed that many states already struggle to meet salary obligations and provide basic services. Establishing and maintaining an effective police service, she said, would require sustained investment in recruitment, training, equipment, vehicles, technology and officers’ welfare. Without adequate funding, she warned, state police could become ineffective or vulnerable to corruption.
She further noted the possibility of uneven policing standards across the federation. Wealthier states, she explained, could develop well-equipped and highly trained police services, while financially weaker states may struggle to provide comparable security, thereby widening existing inequalities in public safety.
Barr. Ene also raised concerns about possible jurisdictional conflicts between the Federal Police and state police if their respective responsibilities are not clearly defined. Additionally, she warned that ethnic or religious bias in recruitment could undermine public confidence if appointments are not conducted transparently and fairly.
While recognising these concerns, Barr. Ene noted that the proposed bill contains safeguards aimed at preventing abuse. She explained that states would be required to enact their own enabling laws before establishing police services. State police would also be expected to meet nationally approved standards for recruitment, training, discipline and accountability. Furthermore, the Federal Government would retain responsibility for national security, with powers to intervene under clearly defined exceptional circumstances.
Barr. Ene maintained that the success of state police will depend less on the legislation itself and more on its implementation. Transparent recruitment, adequate funding, independent oversight and strict adherence to the rule of law, she said, will determine whether the reform delivers safer communities or creates new governance challenges.
According to Barr. Ene, Nigeria’s security situation demands innovative solutions. While state police may not solve every security problem, she believes that if implemented responsibly and insulated from political manipulation, they could become an important step towards improving public safety and strengthening Nigeria’s federal system.
Barr. Ene concluded that the opportunity before the nation is historic. She stressed that what matters now is ensuring that the reform serves the interests of the Nigerian people rather than the ambitions of political office holders.
