Nigeria constitutional amendment process
Nigeria constitutional amendment process sparks national dialogue on state policing, legal reforms, and new security structures to address local safety needs.
The Concerns Behind Centralized Policing
Critics of Nigeria’s current police framework emphasize that the centralized model controlled from Abuja has repeatedly failed to deliver effective policing across Nigeria’s vast and diverse territories.
States such as Zamfara, Benue, and Plateau have long struggled with banditry and communal violence, often waiting for federal directives before security operations commence.
This lag in response time, combined with limited familiarity of federal officers with local terrains and languages, contributes to rising insecurity.
For many, decentralizing the system would not only improve efficiency but also restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Historical Resistance to Change
The idea of state policing is not new in Nigeria’s political discourse.
It has surfaced in every constitutional review since 2001 but has often been met with resistance.
Opponents worry about deepening divisions and possible abuse of power at the state level.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his presidential campaign, indicated cautious support for restructuring the police, aligning with his long-standing advocacy for true federalism.
Yet, the road to actual reform remains steep, requiring not only legislative will but also consensus across states and political parties.
The Political Calculus: Federal vs. State Powers
The Nigeria constitutional amendment process is not merely a legal exercise it is a political negotiation.
Legislators must balance national unity with regional autonomy, all while confronting fears about the implications for elections, dissent, and inter-state relations.
Northern states, often perceived to have more control over federal security operations due to historical political dominance, have been more hesitant about state police.
In contrast, southern states, particularly in the South-West and South-East, are aggressively pushing for decentralized policing to curb rising kidnapping and insurgency.
This political divergence was highlighted when the South-West formed Amotekun Corps in 2020,
a regional security outfit meant to operate independently of federal forces sparking debates about legality and overreach.
Comparative Perspectives: What Can Nigeria Learn?
Countries with similar federal structures provide useful case studies.
In the United States, each state maintains its own police departments, sheriffs, and even highway patrols, while federal bodies like the FBI handle broader threats.
Germany operates a similar decentralized system, with each of its 16 states (Länder) having its own police force under local ministry control.
India, with its demographic and religious complexities, maintains state-controlled police units working under the broader framework of national laws and standards.
Nigeria can adopt a hybrid model maintaining federal oversight while empowering states to respond rapidly to local threats.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments: What’s on the Table?
The current review committee is considering a range of changes, including:
Repealing Section 214(1) to remove the monopoly of the Nigeria Police Force.
Creating enabling clauses for state governments to legislate and fund their own police units.
Mandating coordination units that link state police with federal agencies for intelligence sharing and crisis response.
Introducing safeguards, such as independent police service commissions in each state to prevent political interference.
These proposals aim to strike a balance granting autonomy while preserving national security coherence.
Voices from the Judiciary and Civil Society
Legal practitioners and civil society organizations have also entered the fray, emphasizing the need for transparency, rule of law, and public participation in the amendment process.
Renowned constitutional lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), argued during a recent symposium that “security must be democratized,” asserting that the concentration of police power in the federal government contradicts the spirit of federalism.
Civil society groups such as the CLEEN Foundation and SERAP have also advocated for reforms,
but they caution that merely changing the constitution without mechanisms for oversight, recruitment integrity,
and adequate funding could replicate the current challenges at the state level.
The Role of Traditional and Religious Institutions
Traditional rulers, often overlooked in modern governance, have begun to assert their influence in this debate.
In regions where local monarchs and emirs hold significant cultural sway, their backing or resistance could shape public opinion.
Some have proposed integrating community policing efforts with local cultural structures.
For instance, the Emir of Kano emphasized during a recent public dialogue that “security starts with the people,”
calling for the inclusion of traditional rulers in community surveillance and intelligence gathering frameworks.
Religious leaders, too, are urging caution. Many warn that in the wrong hands, state police could be weaponized to silence minorities or dissenters, especially in religiously sensitive regions.
Funding and Infrastructure: A Major Hurdle
One of the biggest concerns with the implementation of state police lies in sustainable funding.
Some states, already struggling to pay salaries and pensions, may not be in a position to maintain a fully functional police force.
There are fears that poorly funded state police could become exploitative or fall under the control of political godfathers.
A proposed solution includes a shared security trust fund, where federal, state,
and private sector actors contribute to building police infrastructure ranging from barracks and equipment to ICT and training centers.
Youth and Public Sentiment: A Generational Shift
Nigeria’s youth population who made their voices heard during the #EndSARS protests remain central to this conversation.
For them, police reform is personal. Years of profiling, brutality, and harassment by units such as SARS have eroded trust in the uniform.
Online platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram are already buzzing with hashtags like #StatePoliceNow and #SecureOurStates, reflecting a growing public awareness of the reform’s stakes.
Many young Nigerians see state policing as an opportunity to recruit officers from within their communities, thereby improving accountability and cultural sensitivity.
Balancing National Unity with Regional Autonomy
At the heart of the Nigeria constitutional amendment process is a deeper question: how can a diverse nation secure itself without fracturing its unity?
Supporters of decentralization argue that effective security is impossible without local knowledge and empowerment.
Opponents warn that without strong checks and balances, state policing could turn governors into mini-dictators.
The challenge, therefore, is to develop a legislative framework that guarantees human rights, accountability,
and national oversight while enabling states to address their unique security threats swiftly and effectively.
Outlook: What Lies Ahead?
The road to amending Nigeria’s constitution is long and politically fraught.
Any change must pass through the National Assembly, gain the approval of at least 24 out of 36 state houses of assembly, and receive presidential assent.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, some lawmakers may delay taking bold steps, fearing political backlash or loss of electoral support.
However, given the escalating insecurity and growing public demand,
many experts believe that the 2025 constitutional review may be Nigeria’s best chance to fix its broken policing system.
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A Critical Juncture for Nigeria
The Nigeria constitutional amendment process has reopened vital national conversations about who holds power, how citizens are protected, and what kind of federation Nigeria aspires to be.
As dialogue deepens and legislation unfolds, one thing is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to maintain the status quo.
Whether the solution is state police, regional collaboration, or a hybrid model,
Nigerians are demanding reforms that prioritize local safety, democratic accountability, and national cohesion.
If implemented with foresight and integrity, these reforms could become the foundation for a more secure, inclusive, and responsive Nigerian federation.
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