State Police nears reality as 28 states approve constitutional amendment

The proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria has moved closer to becoming law after 28 State Houses of Assembly approved the constitutional amendment bill.

The approval surpasses the constitutionally required threshold of 24 states, representing two-thirds of the 36 state legislatures. This clears the way for the bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, confirming that reports submitted by the 28 state legislatures had been received and verified alongside their respective votes and proceedings.

According to the statement, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, which seeks to establish State Police Services and provide for related matters, was forwarded to all 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.

The state legislatures were initially given 30 days, ending October 15, to communicate their decisions to the National Assembly.

However, Ogunlana said his office would continue to receive reports from the state assemblies until the bill is transmitted for presidential assent.

He said, “Following the receipt and verification of the reports, the Office confirms that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the Bill.

“This represents more than the constitutionally prescribed threshold of not less than two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, equivalent to 24 States, as required under Section 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”

The clerk explained that the National Assembly had undertaken administrative verification of the reports and accompanying votes and proceedings to establish their authenticity and ensure that they accurately reflected the decisions taken by the respective state legislatures.

He also clarified that Section 9 of the Constitution does not expressly prescribe a third reading for a Constitution Alteration Bill, unlike the procedure applicable to ordinary bills.

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