The National Assembly of Nigeria has moved forward with the 2026 constitutional alteration process by transmitting the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration. This development marks the beginning of the crucial concurrence stage, with the State Policing bill being the primary proposal slated for deliberation. The transmission was effected on September 16 by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
For the constitutional alteration process to advance, at least 24 states must approve the bill. This requirement is in line with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that constitutional alteration is not solely a federal legislative affair, but also requires the participation of state legislatures. The Houses of Assembly of the states must approve the proposal through resolutions, and at least two-thirds of the 36 state legislatures, which is 24 assemblies, must support the bill.
The State Policing bill has emerged as the most advanced proposal in the current constitutional review exercise. The Senate approved the State Police constitutional alteration bill in June, while the House of Representatives subsequently considered and passed the executive version in July. The proposal aims to establish a constitutional basis for state police services alongside a federal police structure. This development has shifted the immediate responsibility for the next stage from the National Assembly to the state legislatures.
Each state legislature is expected to examine the proposed alteration according to its own legislative procedures. Ogunlana, in his statement announcing the transmission, urged the state assemblies to consider the bill and communicate their resolutions to the National Assembly after completing their deliberations. He also introduced a 30-day administrative window for the state legislatures to complete the exercise and return their decisions.
However, it is essential to note that the 30-day period is not a constitutional deadline. Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution does not prescribe a specific period within which state Houses of Assembly must communicate their decisions on constitutional alteration bills. The timeframe is intended to promote an orderly and coordinated process rather than create a statutory deadline for the states.
The transmission has drawn attention to the substance of the proposal that has so far secured the approval of both chambers of the National Assembly. The State Police Bill has generated significant interest and debate, with its proponents arguing that it will enhance security and policing in the country. The bill's passage in the National Assembly has paved the way for its consideration in the state legislatures.
The outcome of the state legislatures' deliberations on the State Policing bill will determine the next stage of the constitutional alteration process. If at least 24 states approve the bill, it will move to the subsequent stage, potentially leading to a significant reform in Nigeria's policing system. The National Assembly and state legislatures must work together to ensure that the process is completed in a timely and orderly manner.
Key points
- The National Assembly has transmitted the State Policing bill to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration, marking a significant step in the 2026 constitutional alteration process.
- At least 24 states must approve the bill for the process to advance, in line with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
- The State Policing bill aims to establish a constitutional basis for state police services alongside a federal police structure.
