morganable Politics/Governance
With only five states supporting the proposal, the bill still requires approval from at least 19 additional state assemblies to meet the constitutional threshold
KaNo —
The proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police in Nigeria has suffered a setback as only five of the 36 State Houses of Assembly have approved the bill, barely a day before the expiration of the 30-day deadline set by the National Assembly.
As of Thursday, October 15, only Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara states had passed the proposed amendment, leaving 31 state legislatures yet to communicate their positions on the legislation aimed at decentralising policing in the country.
The bill, transmitted to the state legislatures on September 16, 2026, followed its passage by the Senate on June 24 and the House of Representatives on July 23.
The National Assembly subsequently gave the state legislatures 30 days to consider the proposal and communicate their decisions, with the deadline expiring on Friday, October 16.
Howwever, investigations revealed that several state assemblies were still examining the legislation, consulting stakeholders or preparing to hold public hearings before taking a position.
The development has raised concerns over the pace of the constitutional amendment process, particularly as the proposed reform requires approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to presidential assent.
Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution provides that constitutional amendments must secure the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 state legislatures.
With only five states supporting the proposal, the bill still requires approval from at least 19 additional state assemblies to meet the constitutional threshold.
The leadership of the House of Representatives has yet to issue a formal statement explaining the next steps following the limited number of approvals.
The proposal comes amid growing concerns over insecurity across Nigeria, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes and other violent crimes that have continued to challenge the existing policing structure.
Supporters of state police argue that decentralising law enforcement would strengthen security responses by allowing state governments to establish police services familiar with local communities and security challenges.
However, critics have expressed concerns that governors could misuse state-controlled police formations against political opponents, particularly during elections.
The proposed amendment provides for the establishment of a Federal Police Service alongside state police services, with each state empowered to create its own police institution through legislation.
In Zamfara, the spokesperson for the State House of Assembly, Malam Nasiru Biya-Buki, confirmed that lawmakers had approved the amendment and forwarded their decision to the National Assembly.
“The Zamfara State House of Assembly has since passed the bill regarding the creation of the state police,” he said.
“The bill has been sent to the National Assembly, Abuja, as requested. So, we are waiting for the next line of action to take.”
Similarly, the Osun State House of Assembly approved the proposal following deliberations on a letter transmitted by the National Assembly requesting its endorsement.
The Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, presented the communication to lawmakers for consideration.
During deliberations, Lawrence Adeoti, representing Ife South State Constituency, and Taofeek Olayiwola, representing Ede South, supported the amendment, arguing that state police would improve security across the country.
Other lawmakers, including Adewumi Adeyemi of Obokun Constituency and Jeremiah Awoyeye of Ife Central, described the proposal as timely, particularly given the country’s persistent security challenges.
The motion supporting the amendment was moved by the Majority Leader, Babajide Kofoworola, representing Ede North, and seconded by Tajudeen Adeyemi of Ifelodun Constituency.
In Oyo State, lawmakers passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, on September 29 after conducting a clause-by-clause examination of its provisions.
The legislative session was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin following the receipt of a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
Ogundoyin explained that the proposed constitutional amendment would have significant legislative implications for the state, particularly regarding the enactment of laws regulating the establishment and operation of its police service.
He said the proposed arrangement would empower state police formations to enforce state laws, maintain public safety, prevent criminal activities and protect lives and property within their jurisdictions.
The legislation also provides for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions responsible for appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary matters and complaints involving personnel.
Under the proposed framework, each state police service would be headed by a State Commander of Police appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
The National Assembly would also be empowered to prescribe minimum policing standards applicable to federal and state police institutions, while states could introduce additional standards.
Meanwhile, several state legislatures have yet to reach a decision on the amendment.
In Ogun State, the former Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment, Olakunle Oluomo, disclosed that the legislature was considering organising a public hearing before taking a position.
Oluomo explained that the proposed hearing would provide residents with an opportunity to understand the legislation and make contributions.
“The Speaker is working round the clock to ensure success of everything. As the House Committee Chairman on Constitution Amendment, I have proposed that we should have public hearing about it,” he said.
He added that consultations were ongoing to determine a suitable date for the proposed exercise.
The Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, also confirmed that the Assembly was still considering the legislation.
Similarly, the Delta State House of Assembly acknowledged receiving the bill but declined to disclose when lawmakers would debate or vote on it.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Nkem Nwaeke, said the Assembly was following the appropriate legislative procedures.
“I can confirm that the bill has been received by the House and due legislative process is being followed,” he stated.
Nwaeke explained that Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, would announce the Assembly’s position after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
“The interest of Delta people remains uppermost to the Assembly, hence the need for due diligence,” he added.
With the deadline expiring on Friday, uncertainty remains over whether more state legislatures will approve the amendment in time.
The slow response from the states has consequently placed the proposed policing reform under renewed scrutiny, as the National Assembly awaits the additional approvals required to advance the constitutional amendment process.
