Nigeria Moves Forward with Plans for State Police Forces
On Tuesday, discussions surrounding the establishment of state police forces in Nigeria gained significant traction. The House of Representatives received a report from the Select Committee on Constitutional Review regarding a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to create a state-controlled police service.
The report, presented by Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairman Benjamin Carew, was officially introduced during a plenary session of the House, setting the stage for thorough debate and clause-by-clause examination by members.
This development followed an executive meeting of the Constitutional Review Committee on Monday, during which members aligned the House’s position with the Senate’s proposed bill within the framework of ongoing constitutional reforms.
The proposed amendments seek to revise the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the creation, regulation, and operation of the National Police Service.
In line with parliamentary protocol, the report is slated for consideration in the House during the next legislative day, with specific dates for debate and analysis to be determined by the House Rules and Business Committee.
This proposal is among the most closely monitored constitutional changes under discussion, as state governments, security experts, and civil society groups advocate for police decentralization in response to escalating security challenges nationwide.
Proponents argue that establishing state police forces would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen community security, and facilitate quicker responses to localized security issues. However, critics caution against the potential for state-level abuses, emphasizing the necessity for robust constitutional safeguards.
House Approves Funding for Nigeria Police Trust Fund
During the same session, the House of Representatives ratified the report from the Police Affairs Committee, approving budget estimates for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for 2025 and 2026. This report was prepared by Abubakar Yelman, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, and subsequently adopted by the Supply Committee, led by Deputy Chairman Benjamin Kalu.
The House has allocated a budget of ₦170.11 billion for the Police Trust Fund for the 2025 financial year. According to the budget breakdown, ₦27.29 billion is earmarked for capital spending on the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Headquarters, while ₦132.45 billion is designated for capital projects benefitting the Nigeria Police Force.
The budget also includes ₦1.82 billion for staff expenses and ₦8.54 billion for operational overhead costs. Similarly, lawmakers have approved a proposed budget of ₦233.96 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for the 2026 fiscal year, which includes ₦33.96 billion in new allocations.
This 2026 budget plan incorporates ₦43.78 billion for capital expenditures at the Police Trust Fund Headquarters, ₦179.11 billion for capital initiatives at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, alongside ₦1.86 billion for staffing costs and ₦9.21 billion for overhead expenses.
The budget is set for a third reading on Wednesday before it may receive final approval from the House. Established under the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, the fund aims to provide supplementary financial support for the training, equipment, logistics, and welfare needs of the Nigeria Police Force.
This additional funding complements the annual budget allocation for the police and is funded through contributions from the federal account, grants, donations, and other statutory sources. The increased allocations for 2025 and 2026 align with the Federal Government’s refreshed commitment to bolster internal security, modernize police operations, and enhance the overall capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.
