Nigerian States Progress on Decentralized Police Bill

As of Tuesday, the police bill has been approved by several Nigerian states, including Edo, Oyo, Zamfara, Rivers, Delta, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, Nasarawa, and Osun. The bill, which seeks to decentralize policing and allow states to establish their own police services, was transmitted to state legislatures by the National Assembly on September 16, 2026, after being passed by the Senate on June 24 and the House of Representatives on July 23.

In Kano, the House of Assembly has referred the bill to a relevant committee for consideration, as confirmed by Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini. In Katsina, the bill has also been referred to a special committee for detailed examination, with Speaker Nasiru Yahaya Daura assuring expedited deliberations.

Legislative sources in Borno State indicated that the bill is set for first and second readings, public hearings, and clause-by-clause scrutiny. For the bill to be enacted, it requires the approval of at least 24 out of 36 states, as stipulated by Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.