Rivers Assembly Approves Bill for State Police Services

On September 28, 2026, the Rivers State House of Assembly unanimously endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to create a constitutional framework for establishing State Police Services. All 25 members voted in favor during a plenary session, following consultations with their constituents.

Speaker Martins Amaewhule praised the lawmakers for their engagement with the public, stating that the decision reflects a long-standing demand from Nigerians for a policing system at the subnational level to complement the federal police. He noted that the bill aims to strengthen the National Assembly's role in setting national minimum policing standards and contains 26 clauses, with 25 alterations to existing sections of the principal Act.

The Speaker also mentioned that the Osun State House of Assembly had previously become the first to approve a similar constitutional amendment. The National Assembly clarified that only the State Police Services Bill had been transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration.