10 things to know about Nigeria’s proposed state police bill

As the proposed State Police Bill awaits ratification by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has highlighted 10 key provisions that could reshape policing in Nigeria if the legislation eventually becomes law.

PUNCH Online reports that the bill, which is still subject to further constitutional processes, is aimed at decentralising policing to tackle insecurity more effectively.

Here are 10 major highlights of the proposed legislation:

1. Nigeria Police Force becomes Nigeria Police Service

The bill proposes changing the name from the Nigeria Police Force to the Nigeria Police Service, replacing the word “Force” with “Service” to reflect a shift towards a more civilian-focused and community-oriented policing model.

2. State police officially established

For the first time, each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would have the power to establish and control its own police service, operating alongside the Federal Police Service.

3. Police Council restructured

The Nigeria Police Council would be reconstituted to include the President, all state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police.

The council would oversee the Federal Police Service, advise on the appointment of the Inspector-General, review national policing policies and promote cooperation between federal and state police.

4. State Police Service Councils created

Each state would establish a State Police Service Council chaired by the governor to oversee policy, administration and accountability for the state’s police service.

The bill introduces separate funding arrangements for federal and state police services.

The Federal Police Service would be funded from the Federation’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, while state governments would finance their respective police services.

6. New appointment process for police leadership

The Inspector-General of Police would serve a single, non-renewable four-year term and must be appointed from the rank of Deputy Inspector-General or above.

State Commissioners of Police would also serve a single four-year term after appointment by governors, based on the recommendation of the State Police Service Council and confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

7. Police Service Commission restructured

The existing Police Service Commission would oversee only the Federal Police Service, while each state would establish its own commission responsible for appointments, promotions, discipline and dismissal of state police officers.

The bill provides operational independence for both the Inspector-General and state Commissioners of Police.

It states that governors and the President cannot issue unlawful operational directives, while all executive orders must be in writing. Officers would also have the right to reject unlawful instructions.

The proposal further provides for a Complaints Response Unit in every state to receive petitions against police officers.

Existing Nigeria Police Force personnel would be transferred to either the Federal Police Service or relevant State Police Service based on deployment.

Their ranks, pensions and service conditions would remain protected, while a Joint Transition Committee would supervise the process over 24 months.

10. Constitutional amendments required

Olusegun noted that the legislation would only take effect alongside amendments to relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution, including changes to the Exclusive Legislative List and the Third Schedule to accommodate state policing.

The Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill after more than two-thirds of lawmakers voted in support during a manual voting process.