State Police Bill Passed Amid Procedural Controversies

The State Police Bill was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in June and July 2026, but it did not adhere to the necessary legislative procedures, particularly the public hearing stage for stakeholder input. The bill, introduced as an executive bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 23, 2026, was listed for first reading the next day, underwent second reading, and was passed for third reading all on June 24, 2026, without public hearings.

The House of Representatives had previously passed the bill on June 11, 2026, but later rescinded its decision and passed the executive bill on July 23, 2026. Journalists and concerned citizens are inquiring whether the bill has been sent to the State Houses of Assembly for the required two-thirds concurrence.

Additionally, a recent announcement indicated that President Tinubu would receive the final draft of a National Policing Bill from a presidential working group after gathering memoranda from Nigerians.