STATE POLICE: 28 States Back Constitutional Amendment, Tinubu’s Assent Next
The proposed establishment of State Police in Nigeria has moved closer to becoming a reality following the approval of the constitutional amendment by 28 State Houses of Assembly.
The development was confirmed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., who said the number of approvals had exceeded the two-thirds majority required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
With the constitutional requirement now met, the National Assembly is taking steps to transmit the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Ogunlana made this known in a statement released on Tuesday, November 3, noting that the Bill had been transmitted to all 36 state legislatures on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.
He said the State Houses of Assembly were initially requested to communicate their decisions to the National Assembly within 30 days, a deadline that expired on October 15.
However, he explained that his office would continue to accept reports from state legislatures until the Bill is forwarded to the President for assent.
The Clerk disclosed that the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly was verifying the reports and accompanying Votes and Proceedings submitted by the state legislatures to ensure their authenticity and confirm that they accurately reflected the decisions taken.
He further explained that the constitutional procedure for altering the Constitution does not expressly provide for a Third Reading, unlike the process for ordinary legislative bills.
According to him, the National Assembly has commenced the necessary administrative processes for transmitting the Bill to the President in accordance with the Acts Authentication Act, CAP A2 (LFN) 2004.
Ogunlana praised the state legislatures for their cooperation and prompt response, describing the development as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and promote a more decentralised federal system.
He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about developments in the constitutional amendment process.
The proposed State Police structure is expected to address longstanding demands for a decentralised policing system, particularly as Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity across different parts of the country.
