28 STATES APPROVE STATE POLICE BILL AS NASS MOVES TO TRANSMIT TO TINUBU

The National Assembly says 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria.

The figure exceeds the required minimum of 24 states, clearing a major hurdle before the bill is transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.

He said officials had verified the reports and accompanying records of votes and proceedings to confirm that they reflected the decisions of the state legislatures.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill seeks to provide for State Police Services and related matters.

It was sent to all 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026. The legislatures were initially asked to communicate their decisions within 30 days, ending October 15.

Ogunlana said his office would continue accepting reports until the bill was transmitted for presidential assent.

“This represents more than the constitutionally prescribed threshold of not less than two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly,” he stated.

He also clarified that Section 9 of the Constitution does not expressly require a third reading for a constitutional alteration bill, unlike the procedure for ordinary legislation.

The announcement marks progress towards the proposed change. It does not mean state police services have already been established or begun operations.