National Assembly Sends State Police Bill to State Legislatures

On September 16, the National Assembly transmitted a bill titled "A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services; and for Related Matters" to the 36 state legislatures. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, stated that this action aligns with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the approval of at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly.

The National Assembly requested states to respond within 30 days, although no specific timeline is prescribed. The Osun State House of Assembly adopted a resolution supporting state police, led by Majority Leader Babajide Kofoworola and seconded by Tajudeen Adeyemi.

The Zamfara State House of Assembly, presided over by Speaker Bilyaminu Isma’il Moriki, commenced consideration of the bill. Sokoto's Assembly also began its review, while Bauchi constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Jamilu Ummaru Dahiru to evaluate the bill.