Constitutional Amendment for State Police Stalls as Only Five States Vote Yes

The proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police in Nigeria has encountered a significant hurdle, with merely five out of the 36 State Houses of Assembly giving their approval by Thursday, October 15. This falls far short of the constitutional requirement, despite a 30-day window set by the National Assembly for states to communicate their positions on the bill.

Legislative bodies in Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Zamfara have so far endorsed the amendment, which aims to decentralize Nigeria's policing structure and create a legal framework for state-run police services. However, the majority of state legislatures are still reviewing the bill, consulting with various stakeholders, or yet to commence deliberations. This slow pace means the reform is a considerable distance from securing the minimum 24 approvals needed from the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

The bill was forwarded to the state legislatures on September 16, 2026, following its passage by the Senate on June 24 and the House of Representatives on July 23. The 30-day period granted to the Assemblies was slated to conclude on October 16. Despite the expiry of this deadline, the leadership of the House of Representatives has not issued any formal statement regarding the exercise's status or outlined the subsequent steps given the limited number of approvals.

This situation prompts questions about the speed of the constitutional amendment process, which necessitates widespread backing from state legislatures before proposed changes can be enacted. According to Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, any constitutional alteration must be approved by resolutions from at least two-thirds of all state Houses of Assembly – equivalent to 24 of the 36 states – before it can be presented to the President for assent. With only five states having given their nod, the bill remains significantly below the required threshold.

The establishment of state police has been a central theme in Nigeria's security discourse, driven by persistent challenges such as banditry, kidn*pping, terr*rism, communal clashes, and other criminal activities. Proponents argue that a decentralized policing system would empower states to address local security threats more effectively. Conversely, concerns have been raised about the potential for political abuse of state-controlled security agencies.

The proposed amendment outlines provisions for a Federal Police Service to operate alongside state police services, granting each state the authority to establish its own service through specific legislation. It also details arrangements for the administration, oversight, and accountability of state police personnel.

Among the states that have approved the bill, Zamfara State House of Assembly confirmed its passage, joining Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Edo. Malam Nasiru Biya-Buki, spokesperson for the Zamfara Assembly, informed The PUNCH that the House had finalized the process and transmitted the bill to the National Assembly. “The Zamfara State House of Assembly has since passed the bill regarding the creation of the state police,” he stated. “The bill has been sent to the National Assembly, Abuja, as requested. So, we are waiting for the next line of action to take.”

In Osun State, Speaker Adewale Egbedun presented a letter from the National Assembly requesting consideration and approval of the constitutional alteration. During deliberations, lawmakers including Lawrence Adeoti (Ife South State Constituency) and Taofeek Olayiwola (Ede South) voiced their support, asserting that state police would enhance national security. Adewumi Adeyemi (Obokun State Constituency) and Jeremiah Awoyeye (Ife Central) also deemed the proposal timely, arguing it would bolster security at state and local government levels by enabling more effective responses to threats within their jurisdictions. The motion for the amendment was moved by Majority Leader Babajide Kofoworola (Ede North) and seconded by Tajudeen Adeyemi (Ifelodun).

Oyo State's House of Assembly passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, on September 29 after a clause-by-clause review. The session, presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, followed the receipt of a transmission letter from Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly. Ogundoyin highlighted that the amendment's passage would have significant legislative implications for Oyo State, particularly the need to enact a comprehensive law to govern its police service if the constitutional alteration is finalized. He reiterated that the proposed framework would establish Federal and State Police Services, empowering states to create their own through legislation. According to him, state police would be responsible for enforcement within state jurisdiction.