State Police: Five Assemblies Approve Bill, 31 Yet to Decide
Only five of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police, leaving 31 yet to formally decide on the reform aimed at decentralising the country’s policing system.
The approving states are Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara. Zamfara became the latest to endorse the proposal, according to a report by The PUNCH on Friday.
The National Assembly transmitted the State Police Services Bill to all 36 state legislatures on September 16, 2026, requesting their decisions within 30 days. That period elapsed on October 15, but it is an administrative timeline rather than a constitutional deadline.
Under Section 9 of Nigeria’s Constitution, the proposed amendment requires approval from at least two-thirds of the state assemblies — 24 states — before it can proceed. This means 19 additional state assemblies must approve the bill to meet the required threshold.
Several assemblies are still examining the proposal, consulting stakeholders or awaiting formal consideration. Some have also cited legislative schedules and delays in receiving the bill.
Meanwhile, the Senate has expressed confidence that the constitutional amendment will be completed before the end of the 10th National Assembly’s tenure in 2027.
The Presidency has also said the accompanying National Policing Bill, which would provide the legal framework for the proposed system, is about 90 per cent ready for transmission to the National Assembly.
The proposed reform is being pursued amid persistent insecurity across Nigeria. Supporters argue that state-controlled police services would improve local responses to crime, while the proposal raises broader questions about oversight, funding and the potential for political interference.
Until the constitutional approval threshold is met and the remaining legislative steps are completed, state police cannot be established under the proposed framework.
