Senate Sets November 15 Deadline for State Police Bill

The Nigerian Senate has issued a deadline of November 15 for six state assemblies (Kano, Benue, Niger, Abia, Oyo, and Cross Rivers) to submit their positions on a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police. Failure to respond may be interpreted as withholding consent.

During a plenary session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (Kano North) confirmed that the Kano State House of Assembly had passed the bill and was in the process of transmitting its resolution to the National Assembly leadership. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) announced the deadline following a status update on nationwide consultations regarding the legislation.

Despite delays from some state legislatures, the proposed amendment has already received approval from 30 state assemblies, surpassing the required two-thirds majority of 24 out of 36 states. The National Assembly plans to compile responses and transmit the amendment to President Tinubu for final assent shortly after the deadline.