The Senate has set a final deadline for six Nigerian states to approve a bill establishing state police forces. The deadline, November 15, follows a previous extension to November 19, as 30 states have already ratified the constitutional amendment. The bill aims to create state-level police units under the oversight of state governors.
The proposed law, which passed in the Senate, requires all 36 states to formally transmit their decisions to the National Assembly. The six remaining states—Kano, Abia, and four others—must now confirm their stance by the new deadline. The bill, if fully approved, would allow governors to establish and manage state police forces, enhancing local law enforcement capabilities.
This legislative effort follows months of debate over the decentralization of security responsibilities. The bill was introduced to address concerns about the inefficiency of the national police force and to improve public safety at the state level. Previous discussions highlighted the need for more localized policing to better respond to regional challenges. The final approval of the bill would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s security framework, granting governors greater authority over law enforcement.
