The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the National Assembly to halt any accelerated action on the proposed State Police Bill until nationwide public consultations and formal hearings are held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the civil society organisation described the bill as one of the most significant proposed changes to Nigeria’s constitutional and security framework since the return to democratic rule, and said such a major shift should not proceed without giving citizens a real chance to weigh in.
“There is widespread public perception that the Bill is an Executive-backed initiative that is being advanced with unusual speed through the legislative process,” the group said, adding that whether or not the perception is accurate, it points to a need for more transparency and broader national consensus.
RULAAC linked the timing of the bill to Nigeria’s approaching 2027 general elections, warning that any restructuring of policing powers during a politically sensitive period carries added risks. The group said reforms to law enforcement “must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair,” cautioning against changes that could raise fears of policing powers being used to sway election outcomes, silence opposition, intimidate voters, or erode public trust.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s policing system is in urgent need of reform, RULAAC argued that creating state police forces would not automatically translate into better security.
It noted that governors already wield significant influence over existing security structures at the state level, and warned that without strong safeguards, including operational independence, transparent recruitment, civilian oversight, independent complaints mechanisms, and judicial accountability, state police could be exposed to political interference.
As an alternative, the organisation proposed decentralising the existing Nigeria Police Force by devolving operational authority, personnel, and resources to state and zonal commands, while retaining national standards and shielding the force from partisan control. It said this model deserves equal consideration in the ongoing debate.
RULAAC called on the National Assembly to pause deliberations on the bill until civil society groups, professional associations, the Nigerian Bar Association, the media, traditional and religious leaders, labour unions, women’s and youth organisations, persons with disabilities, security experts, academics, and ordinary citizens have all had the opportunity to participate.
“Constitutional reforms derive their legitimacy not merely from legislative votes but from the confidence and participation of the people whose rights and freedoms they affect,” the statement said, adding that as the 2027 elections approach, any policing reform must strengthen democratic governance, protect human rights, and build public trust rather than undermine it. #Securitynewsalert.com
