The Labour Party has applauded the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for passing the State Police Bill recently transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as a patriotic and significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
In a statement issued on June 25, 2026, by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the party said Nigerians across the country’s six geopolitical zones have long demanded a more effective and responsive policing system capable of tackling rising insecurity. It noted that the proposed establishment of state police would bring law enforcement closer to local communities and strengthen internal security.
While acknowledging concerns over the possible abuse of state police by governors, the Labour Party said such fears should not derail what it described as a necessary constitutional reform. It pointed to the shortcomings of the current centralized policing structure, arguing that Nigeria’s size, population, and evolving security threats require a decentralized approach.
The party expressed confidence in the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment Bill, particularly the provisions of Section 17, which it said provide mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent the misuse of state police by state executives.
According to the Labour Party, no policing system is entirely free from challenges. However, it maintained that the current centralized arrangement has shown clear limitations in effectively combating crime and insecurity across the federation.
As the constitutional amendment now awaits approval by the 36 State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent, the party called on governors and state lawmakers to rise above partisan interests and support the legislation in the interest of national security and public safety.
The Labour Party expressed optimism that with proper oversight, transparency, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing would become an effective tool for fighting crime, improving community security, and strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure.
