From Ebohon Joan
Only five of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly had approved the proposed state police constitutional amendment as of Thursday, October 15, leaving the bill far short of the 24-state threshold required for its passage.
The approving states are Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara, while several other legislatures are still examining the proposal, consulting stakeholders or preparing for public hearings.
The National Assembly transmitted the bill to the state assemblies on September 16, 2026, following its passage by the Senate on June 24 and the House of Representatives on July 23. The 30-day deadline for the state legislatures to communicate their positions was scheduled to expire on Friday, October 16.
Despite the slow progress, the Senate has expressed confidence that the constitutional amendment will be completed before the end of the 10th National Assembly’s tenure in 2027.
The proposed amendment seeks to restructure Nigeria’s centralised policing system by establishing a Federal Police Service alongside state police services. Under the proposed framework, each state would be empowered to establish its own police service through legislation.
Five states endorse proposal
Zamfara State House of Assembly spokesperson, Nasiru Biya-Buki, confirmed that the legislature had approved the bill and forwarded it to the National Assembly.
He said the House had completed the required process and was awaiting further action.
In Osun, Speaker Adewale Egbedun presented the National Assembly’s request to lawmakers, several of whom supported the proposal, arguing that state police would strengthen security at the state and local government levels.
The motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Babajide Kofoworola, representing Ede North, and seconded by Tajudeen Adeyemi, representing Ifelodun.
Oyo lawmakers approved the amendment on September 29 after considering its provisions clause by clause. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin said the proposal would require the state to enact comprehensive legislation to regulate the operations of its police service if the amendment is finalised.
The proposed framework also provides for State Police Service Commissions to oversee recruitment, promotions, transfers, discipline and complaints. State police commanders would be appointed by governors on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to confirmation by the relevant state assembly.
Several states yet to decide
In Ogun, former Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment, Olakunle Oluomo, said he had proposed a public hearing to educate residents on the bill and obtain their views before a decision is taken.
Speaker Oludaisi Elemide also confirmed that the assembly was still working on the proposal.
Delta State Assembly has received the bill but has not announced its position. The Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, said the House was following due legislative procedures and would make its position known after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
In Abia, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa confirmed that the proposal had been presented to lawmakers but said the assembly had yet to reach a position.
Anambra State Assembly Clerk, Tony Ughenu, said the bill had been communicated to lawmakers but was yet to be formally listed for consideration. He explained that state legislatures were expected to vote in favour of or against the proposal rather than amend its provisions.
In Imo, House Committee Chairman on Information and Judiciary, Dominic Ezerioha, said the bill arrived as lawmakers were proceeding on recess. He expressed hope that it would be considered following their resumption.
Kaduna State Assembly is also reviewing the proposal and plans to hold a public hearing. The Chairman of its House Committee on Information, Henry Marah, said lawmakers were examining the provisions in relation to the state’s security needs before seeking public input.
Reps silent as Senate gives assurance
The leadership of the House of Representatives has yet to provide an official explanation for the slow pace of approvals or clarify whether the deadline would be extended.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi declined to comment when contacted by The PUNCH, leaving uncertainty over the next steps in the process.
However, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, assured Nigerians that the amendment would be completed before the current National Assembly concludes its tenure.
He said approval from 24 state assemblies was required under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for constitutional alterations to receive the support of at least two-thirds of the state legislatures.
Adaramodu said the Senate was awaiting responses from the states and would proceed once the required number of approvals had been secured.
National Policing Bill 90 per cent ready
Meanwhile, the Presidency has disclosed that the National Policing Bill, which is expected to provide the operational framework for the proposed state police system, is about 90 per cent complete.
The President’s Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group, Femi Gbajabiamila, made this known after a steering committee meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
He said the bill would likely be transmitted to the National Assembly by October 29, following further consultations and the resolution of outstanding observations raised by governors.
Gbajabiamila described the proposed legislation as one of the administration’s most consequential bills, adding that the committee had been working on it since August 3.
President Bola Tinubu established the Presidential Working Group to develop a practical legal framework for the proposed policing system. Its mandate includes setting minimum policing standards, establishing accountability mechanisms, protecting human rights and defining coordination between federal and state authorities.
The constitutional amendment is intended to create the legal foundation for a two-tier policing structure, while the National Policing Bill would provide details for its implementation.
However, the amendment cannot proceed to presidential assent until it secures approval from at least 24 state assemblies and satisfies the remaining constitutional requirements.
