The National Assembly has assured Nigerians that the proposed State Police Bill contains strong safeguards to prevent political abuse while guaranteeing financial independence through direct funding from the Federation Account.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said funding for state police would be placed on a first-line charge, similar to the judiciary, to ensure governors cannot withhold funds or influence the operations of state police institutions.
He explained that the constitutional amendment would provide guaranteed funding and institutional independence for state police, adding that lawmakers are addressing concerns raised over the misuse of regional police during Nigeria’s First Republic.
Bamidele said the ongoing constitutional review seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing states to establish their own police while maintaining accountability and operational effectiveness.
House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen also dismissed fears that state police could become political tools, stating that the Executive Bill provides constitutional safeguards against interference by governors or political actors.
According to Abbas, state police commissioners will be appointed on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by state assemblies, while removal will require a two-thirds majority for proven misconduct. He added that the Federal Police may intervene only under clearly defined constitutional conditions.
The Speaker praised President Bola Tinubu for transmitting the State Police Bill to the National Assembly, describing it as a landmark reform. Security stakeholders, including former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.) and traditional ruler Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (retd.), also backed the proposal, calling for intelligence-driven policing and stronger grassroots security.
