National Assembly Sends State Police Bill to Assemblies

The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, specifically the constitutional amendment establishing State Police Services, to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration. Although 37 constitutional amendment bills have been reviewed, only the State Police Bill has been passed by both chambers and sent to the states.

Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, at least two-thirds of the state assemblies, or 24 out of 36, must approve the amendment. The National Assembly has requested that states communicate their decisions within 30 days, although this is an administrative timeframe and not a constitutional deadline.

If approved, the new policing structure will include a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, with each state police responsible for local policing. The Federal Police will retain jurisdiction over major national security issues, and the President will have the authority to intervene in exceptional circumstances, with specific notification requirements.