BREAKING: Senate Passes State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners

The Nigerian Senate has passed the landmark Constitution Alteration Bill establishing state police across the federation, a major step in the country’s decades-long debate over decentralising policing .

A key provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the respective state Houses of Assembly . While the Nigeria Police Force will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each state police service will be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor .

The legislation also grants governors authority to issue lawful policy directives to state police commissioners on matters relating to public safety and order within their states .

The bill was passed after more than two-thirds of senators voted in support following a clause-by-clause consideration . It will now proceed to the next stage of the constitutional amen