A former lawmaker, Oghene Egoh, has commended the Senate for passing the state police bill, describing it as a bold and timely step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Mr Egoh, who represented Amuwo-Odofin federal constituency in the House of Representatives, reacted to the development in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

The 2026 State Police Bill is a constitutional amendment proposal transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly to establish state police alongside the federal force, thereby decentralising policing and strengthening internal security across Nigeria.

The bill (Constitution Alteration Bill, 2026) seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing structure comprising the Federal Police and State Police, allowing states to establish and control their own police services under nationally prescribed minimum standards.

The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives on June 11 and the Senate on June 24, would subsequently be transmitted to state houses of assembly for ratification, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture.

The former lawmaker, therefore, said that establishing state police would bring security operations closer to the grassroots and enhance intelligence gathering at the community level.

According to him, governors, as chief security officers of their states, are better positioned to understand the peculiar security concerns in their jurisdictions and should therefore play a significant role in appointing state police commissioners.

He, however, cautioned against abuse and called for clear constitutional guidelines, rules and regulations.

He said, “The decentralisation of policing is long overdue. A state police structure will enable faster response to security threats. It will also improve local intelligence and strengthen collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies. There must be adequate checks and balances to ensure professionalism, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.”

Mr Egoh urged the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the final framework for state policing provided for independent oversight mechanisms, merit-based appointments and sustainable funding.

He expressed optimism that, if properly implemented, the reform would significantly enhance national security and contribute to socio-economic development across the country.

(NAN)