Nigeria passes State Police Bill, empowering states to run their own police forces

The Nigerian Senate approved a landmark State Police Bill that allows each state to establish its own police force, with governors empowered to appoint police commissioners and issue directives. The legislation is presented as a historic shift in the country’s internal security architecture, aimed at improving responsiveness to local threats and fostering closer cooperation between citizens and law‑enforcement.

The Forum of Progressive Speakers of State Legislators, led by Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, praised the bill, calling it a victory for effective governance. The forum pledged to fast‑track ratification in state assemblies, allocate budget for training and equipment, and set up oversight mechanisms to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law.