Details of Proposed Constitutional Amendments for the Establishment of State Police and Federal Police
1. Establishment of Federal Police and State Police (New Section 214)
• Two distinct police bodies are constitutionally established:
• (a) the Federal Police
• (b) State Police (one per State, established by State law)
The National Assembly must pass an Act prescribing:
• Structure, organisation, administration, and powers of the Federal Police
• Framework and guidelines for the establishment of State Police
• State Police cannot commence operational policing until:
• Established by a Law of the State House of Assembly, and
• Certified as meeting national minimum standards (prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly)
• Transitional provision: Until a State Police becomes operational, the Federal Police continues all policing functions in that State. After commencement, the Federal Police handles federal policing functions and may provide assistance to the State Police.
2. Responsibilities and Non-Interference (Section 214)
Federal Police is responsible for:
• Maintenance of public security, public order, and security of persons/property throughout the Federation (to the extent provided by the Constitution or National Assembly Act).
• Similar functions within a State to the extent the State has legislative power under the Constitution.
Key safeguard against federal overreach (Section 214(6)):
The Federal Police shall not interfere with State Police operations or a State’s internal security affairs except in these limited cases:
• To contain serious threats where there is a complete breakdown of law and order and the State Police is unable to respond.
• When the Governor requests intervention.
• When a State Police is unable to function due to administrative, financial, or other problems.
Any such intervention requires prior approval by the National Police Council.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Fully under the jurisdiction and operational control of the Federal Police.
3. Leadership and Command (New Section 215)
• Federal Police: Headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
• Appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the Federal Police.
• Subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.
• The IGP has command over the entire Federal Police, including contingents in States.
• The President (or authorised Minister) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the IGP must comply.
• State Police: Headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP).
• Appointed by the Governor on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the State Police.
• Subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
• The Governor (or authorised Commissioner) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the CP must comply.
• If the CP believes a direction is unlawful or contradicts general policing standards, the matter can be referred to the National Police Council (whose decision is final).
4. Removal of Top Officers (New Section 216)
• IGP: Removed only by the President on the recommendation of the National Police Council for specified grounds (grave misconduct, breach of Police Act/Regulations/Code of Conduct, conviction for fraud/dishonesty, bankruptcy, or mental incapacity). Requires two-thirds majority approval of the National Assembly.
• State Commissioner of Police: Removed only by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council for similar grounds. Requires two-thirds majority approval of the State House of Assembly.
5. Funding Support (New Section 216A)
The Federal Government shall provide grants or aids to State Police on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to approval by the National Assembly.
6. Oversight Bodies
National Police Council (restructured and renamed from the old Nigeria Police Council; new composition and expanded functions in Third Schedule):
• Broad membership including: Chairman (Presidential appointee confirmed by NA), Attorney-General of the Federation, serving senior Federal Police officer, Attorneys-General of all States, retired Commissioners of Police (one per geo-political zone), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, and Traditional Rulers’ Councils.
• Key functions: Appointment and discipline of Federal Police officers (except IGP); recommending State top officers (CP, DCP, ACP) to Governors based on State PSC lists; supervising Federal and State Police activities (within constitutional limits); setting standards for training, intelligence, forensics; assisting State Police on request.
State Police Service Commission (new body established for each State in Third Schedule, Part II):
• Composition: Chairman (appointed by Governor, confirmed by State HA), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, retired Assistant Commissioners of Police (one per senatorial district), and Traditional Rulers’ Council.
• Functions: Recommending three qualified candidates for CP/DCP/ACP to the National Police Council; appointment, discipline, and removal of State Police officers below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police; other functions as prescribed by Constitution or National Assembly Act.
7. Legislative Framework (Second Schedule – Concurrent Legislative List)
• National Assembly may make laws on: establishment/organisation/administration/powers/duties of Federal Police; powers/duties of State Police; national minimum standards for both; policing standards, inspection, certification, complaints mechanisms, criminal information systems, inter-governmental cooperation, federal intervention, use of force, firearms, grants, and accountability.
• State Houses of Assembly may make laws for the establishment, organisation, administration, funding, and oversight of their State Police — but must comply with the Constitution and valid National Assembly Acts.
• States may set higher standards than national minimums but not lower.
• National Assembly laws cannot give federal authorities routine command, deployment, appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, or control over State Police personnel (except for explicitly authorised federal intervention).
8. Other Related Changes
• Updates to various constitutional provisions (e.g., Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153) to replace references to “Nigeria Police Force” with appropriate “Police”, “Federal Police”, or “State Police” terminology.
• Exclusive Legislative List adjustments (e.g., light arms for policing purposes; fingerprints/biometrics/forensics shared with State Police; Federal Police listed separately).
• Consequential amendments to the Third Schedule for the new bodies and their compositions/powers.
House of Representatives Set to Vote Today on 37 Landmark Constitutional Amendment Bills
ELECTORAL REFORMS (Bills 1–3)
1. Bill NO. 1: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY IN PRESIDENTIAL, GOVERNORSHIP, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS ELECTIONS; AND FOR RELATED MATTER, 2025 → Allows independent candidates with verified signatures (10% of registered voters from 2/3 of relevant areas); INEC/SIEC verifies signatures; 50% fee waiver for women candidates.
2. Bill NO. 2: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE THE CRITERIA FOR APPOINTING MEMBERS AND ADDITIONAL POWERS FOR THE STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Adds non-partisanship/integrity/age criteria for SIEC members; grants SIEC independent rule-making powers (no Governor approval); expands SIEC functions (voter education, campaign monitoring, party primaries, referendums, etc.).
3. Bill NO. 3: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999, TO ESTABLISH AND EMPOWER THE ELECTORAL OFFENCES COMMISSION TO PROVIDE FOR THE INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF ELECTORAL OFFENCES; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Creates Electoral Offences Commission as a federal executive body with first-line charge funding; details composition, qualifications, and powers (to be prescribed by Act).
JUDICIAL REFORMS (Bills 4–6)
4. Bill NO. 4: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO REDUCE THE BURDEN ON THE SUPREME COURT, REPOSITION IT AS A COURT OF POLICY, AND ENSURE THE TIMELY RESOLUTION OF ELECTION PETITIONS; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Most Supreme Court appeals require leave (except presidential/vice-presidential election matters).
5. Bill NO. 5: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT AND THE COURT OF APPEAL; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Clarifies Chief Justice as Head of Judiciary; mandates 360-day disposal of appeals to Supreme Court.
6. Bill NO. 6: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO EMPOWER JUDGES ELEVATED TO HIGHER COURTS TO CONCLUDE PART-HEARD CRIMINAL MATTERS PENDING BEFORE THEM PRIOR TO THEIR ELEVATION; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Allows elevated Federal High Court judges to conclude part-heard criminal cases (prosecution closed) within 6 months (excluding vacation).
SECURITY AND POLICING (Bills 7–8)
7. Bill NO. 7: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE POLICE; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS (SIXTH ALTERATION) 2026 → Replaces references to “Nigeria Police Force” with “Police” in relevant sections to enable State Police.
8. Bill NO. 8: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERATION; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025��→ Places Armed Forces funding on first-line charge (like INEC, National Assembly, Judiciary).
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Bills 9–17)
9. Bill NO. 9: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO ESTABLISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS AS A TIER OF GOVERNMENT; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Recognises Local Governments as a third tier; adjusts federalism and legislative powers accordingly.
10. Bill NO. 10: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, INDEPENDENCE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITORS-GENERAL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY AREA COUNCILS… 2025 → Creates independent State Auditors-General for Local Governments/Area Councils.
18. Bill NO. 18: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO GRANT CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS TO SPOUSES; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Gender-neutral spousal citizenship (5-year residency requirement).
19. Bill NO. 19: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO INCLUDE CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT… 2025 → Allows National Assembly to prescribe citizenship by investment.
20. Bill NO. 20: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL SPECIAL SEATS FOR WOMEN IN THE SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY… 2025 → Creates special (temporary) women seats via electoral college; groups states into geo-political zones.
LEGISLATURE (Bills 21–25)
21. Bill NO. 21: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO INSTITUTIONALIZE LEGISLATIVE BUREAUCRACY IN THE CONSTITUTION; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Makes Clerk head of Legislative Service in National Assembly and State Houses.
22. Bill NO. 22: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO SPECIFY THE PERIOD FOR THE LAYING OF APPROPRIATION BILL… 2025 → Requires appropriation estimates at least 60 days before end of financial year.
23. Bill NO. 23: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE INAUGURATION OF NEW MEMBERS AFTER THE INAUGURATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY… 2025 → Allows post-inauguration members (with certificate of return) to be sworn in.
24. Bill NO. 24: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION, 1999 TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING PRESIDING OFFICERS OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF A STATE; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Adds procedural safeguards for removing State House Speakers/Deputy Speakers.
25. Bill NO. 25: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO REMOVE TRANSITIONAL LAW-MAKING POWERS FROM THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF GOVERNMENT; AND FOR RELATED MATTER, 2025 → Deletes executive power to modify existing laws for constitutional conformity.
DEVOLUTION OF POWERS / HUMAN RIGHTS / FISCAL / INSTITUTIONS /
TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS (Bills 26–37)
26. Bill NO. 26: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCLUSION OF TOURISM AND TOURISM-RELATED MATTERS ON THE CONCURRENT LEGISLATIVE LIST… 2025 → Moves tourism to Concurrent List.
27. Bill NO. 27: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Adds section on best interests of the child, protection from violence/abuse, access to justice.
28. Bill NO. 28: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO FURTHER DEFINE ACTS THAT CONSTITUTE TORTURE, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT… 2025 → Explicitly includes public parading of arrested suspects as torture/degrading treatment.
29. Bill NO. 29: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF AN UNBORN CHILD BEING CARRIED BY A PREGNANT WOMAN SENTENCED TO DEATH… 2025 → Pregnant women sentenced to death get life imprisonment instead.
30. Bill NO. 30: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHT TO A CLEAN, SAFE, AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT… 2025 → Elevates right to clean/safe/healthy environment under right to life.
31. Bill NO. 31: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO MANDATE ALL GOVERNMENT STATUTORY CORPORATIONS… TO SUBMIT YEARLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO THE AUDITOR GENERAL… 2025 → Requires audited financial statements from all agencies within 90–180 days.
32. Bill NO. 32: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF REPORTS OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL… 2025 → Mandates public disclosure of Auditor-General reports within 90 days.
33. Bill NO. 33: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION… 2025 → Ensures one representative per state + FCT on Federal Civil Service Commission.
34. Bill NO. 34: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO ENSURE THAT EVERY LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN EACH STATE HAS AT LEAST ONE MEMBER REPRESENTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY… 2025 → Guarantees at least one House of Assembly member per Local Government (increases max members to 44).
35. Bill NO. 35: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO SEPARATE THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR FROM THAT OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR ON ISSUES OF QUALIFICATION OR DISQUALIFICATION… 2025 → Allows governor to replace disqualified deputy without affecting the governor’s election.
36. Bill NO. 36: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO ESTABLISH COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN NIGERIA; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2025 → Creates State Council of Traditional Rulers as a state executive body.
37. Bill NO. 37: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE A STABLE AND STATUTORY SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN NIGERIA… 2025 → Mandates at least 5% of local government funds for Traditional Councils (via state law).
@cacnigeria1 Celebrating Extremely Poor Customer Care, Poor Response to Emails, Poor services. Everything about CAC is a shame and disgrace. I have lost lots of money because of your Poor Poor Poor Poor services. I wish the president can sack the entire board and Management of CAC.
@TouchlineX Who cares? Why must everything about Africa always anyhow? What stopped them from penalising Kakimi for throwing away the goal keeper's towel and also sanctioning the Ref alongside other team members? Useless set individuals. @CAF_Media should wake up. The manipulation is clear