Reps drop own State Police Bill, adopt Tinubu’s proposal

The House of Representatives has withdrawn its own constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police, clearing the way for the consideration of the Executive’s proposal aimed at creating state-controlled police services across Nigeria.

The development marks a significant step in the ongoing constitutional amendment process, as lawmakers consolidate legislative efforts around the Executive-backed bill designed to establish a legal framework for state police as part of broader security sector reforms.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the House received the Executive-sponsored Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, and swiftly passed it through first and second readings.

Following the successful readings, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for detailed legislative scrutiny, public consultations and further consideration before it returns to the chamber for subsequent stages of the amendment process.

The decision to withdraw the House’s earlier version of the state police bill is expected to streamline deliberations by ensuring that lawmakers focus on a single legislative proposal, thereby avoiding duplication and harmonising efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution.

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The Executive bill seeks to provide the constitutional framework for the establishment, regulation and operation of state police services alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.

It also introduces safeguards intended to guide the relationship between federal and state policing institutions under a proposed dual policing system.

President Tinubu had urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the legislation, describing it as a critical component of his administration’s strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the country’s response to evolving security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by the National Assembly while incorporating additional constitutional provisions aimed at ensuring accountability, coordination and effective oversight of state police formations.

The House’s action comes shortly after the Senate approved a similar constitutional amendment bill establishing state police, with the proposal securing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority during its third reading.

With both chambers now advancing legislation on the issue, the push for state police has gained fresh momentum. However, for the constitutional amendment to take effect, it must still be approved by at least two-thirds of the National Assembly, endorsed by no fewer than 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly, and subsequently receive presidential assent.

The renewed legislative drive reflects growing calls for the decentralisation of policing in response to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, with supporters arguing that state police would improve intelligence gathering, community policing and rapid response to local security threats.