Strat.1 Review the current system of policing in Nigeria to strengthen the framework for ‘community policing’ to decentralise the police structure and allow zonal commands to take prompt action on police issues.
Strat.2 Open up national discussion on the merits of State Police to aggregate citizen's views and perspectives
Strat.3 Mainstream human rights protection in the operations of security agencies to build trust between citizens and the government.
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The review of the current system of policing is currently under review in the 1999 Constitution alteration.
1. The House of Representatives organized a National Dialogue on State Policing to deliberate on the prospects and challenges of implementing state police in Nigeria. In September 2024, the House of Representatives proposed a high-level Legislative Security Summit to address the nation's security concerns comprehensively.
2. The House of Representatives passed the executive State Police Services Bill (HB. 2797) on 23rd July 2026. This is a step to review and improve that current system of policing in Nigeria. The bill moves to the State Houses of Assembly for ratification. (https://naltf.gov.ng/state-police-bill-house-rescinds-earlier-version-considers-president-tinubus-executive-bill/)
Strat.2 The House of Representatives convened a National Dialogue on State Policing to critically review the existing policing system and explore frameworks for the potential adoption of state-level policing in Nigeria.
The 10th House has also initiated the State Police Service Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1710) sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – Passed first Reading on the 14th of May, 2025 (https://lightraymedia.org/2025/05/15/nigeria-national-assembly-plenary-proceedings-house-of-reps-wednesday-may-14th-2025)
Strat.3 The House of Representatives has engaged with the NHRC to address human rights concerns, particularly those involving security agencies. This collaboration seeks to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and implement recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
Police Reforms
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies
Strat.1 Adopt legislative measures to reform the Nigeria Police Force and position them as the primary agency responsible for internal security. We will focus on improving funding for training, capacity building, modern equipment procurement, human rights adherence, and community policing
Strat.2 Amend the Constitution to recognise traditional institutions and define their roles with regards policing and security
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives has introduced and considered several legislations seeking to amend the provisions of the Police Act and reviewing upward the budgetary allocations to the Police through its oversight duties.
1. Act to Provide the Legal Framework for the Establishment of Training Institutions of the Nigeria Police Force and for Related Matters (SB.470) – (Leader) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Owan Federal Constituency) – (Assented to by the President - October 2025) https://prnigeria.com/2025/10/13/police-reform-deepens-nass/
2. Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2257) (Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai) – passed First Reading on 14th May, 2025 /
3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, No. 6 of 2019 to Increase the duration of the Trust Fund for continued training, Provision of Security Equipment, and Related Facilities, (HB.1720) (Hon. Adewale Hammed) (Assented to by the President - October 2025) – (https://prnigeria.com/2025/10/13/police-reform-deepens-nass/)
4. Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1461) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) – First Reading.
Strat.2 The House of Representatives, through the constitutional amendment process, has introduced bills proposing to assign formal roles to traditional rulers within Nigeria’s governance framework. This is captured in the ongoing 1999 Constitution Alteration.
Police Reforms
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies (STRAT)
Strat.1 Wholistic review of the Police Act to align its functions and bring it up to date and promote synergy with other security and enforcement agencies.
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives has introduced a bill to Amend the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 to regulate the powers of the police; to promote effective collaboration between the police and other security agencies.
The House of Representatives has organized a national dialogue to deliberate on the decentralization of the Nigeria Police Force.
The House of Representatives is also considering constitutional amendments to empower states to establish their own policing systems.
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