RismadarVoice Reporters
November 4, 2026
The National Assembly has commenced arrangements to transmit the proposed constitutional amendment establishing state police to President Bola Tinubu, following its approval by 28 state Houses of Assembly.
The development marks a significant stage in Nigeria’s efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen responses to insecurity across the country.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, confirmed the approvals in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3.
According to Ogunlana, the number of state legislatures supporting the amendment exceeds the constitutional requirement of at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, approval by at least 24 state legislatures is required for the proposed alteration.
The Clerk explained that the bill was transmitted to all 36 state Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.
Although the initial 30-day period for submitting resolutions expired on October 15, the National Assembly continued receiving and verifying responses from state legislatures.
Ogunlana said his office had examined the submitted reports and legislative records to authenticate the approvals.
He added that administrative arrangements were underway to forward the proposed amendment to the President in accordance with the legislative authentication process.
The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a legal framework allowing states to operate their own police services alongside the existing federal policing structure.
Supporters of the reform argue that state-controlled policing could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community security and enable quicker responses to local threats.
They maintain that decentralisation would help address challenges associated with Nigeria’s centrally controlled policing system.
However, concerns remain about the possibility of political interference, inadequate funding and potential abuse of state police institutions.
The proposed reform would therefore require safeguards to protect operational independence, accountability and citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Federal Government has also been developing supporting legislation to guide the proposed transition to a dual policing system.
Although the amendment has secured the required state-level approvals, the formal legislative and administrative processes have not been confirmed as completed.
The establishment of operational state police services will also depend on the final legal framework, implementation arrangements and institutional preparations.
The development represents another step in the continuing national debate over policing reforms and the responsibilities of federal and state governments in maintaining security.
