The National Assembly of Nigeria has clarified that only the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police Services has been transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration. This clarification comes after reports suggested that all Constitution Alteration Bills before the National Assembly had been transmitted to state legislatures. The clarification was made by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
According to Ogunlana, the State Police Bill was transmitted to state Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026. The bill, titled "A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services; and for Related Matters," aims to address security and policing concerns in the country. The decision to prioritize this bill was made in response to widespread public demands.
The National Assembly emphasized that it is incorrect to suggest that all Constitution Alteration Bills have been transmitted to states. The remaining bills will be transmitted to state Houses of Assembly after being passed in identical form by both chambers of the National Assembly. This process is in accordance with the constitutional amendment process.
The National Assembly assured the public that it remains committed to ensuring the Constitution Alteration process is conducted transparently and in accordance with the 1999 Constitution. The Assembly urged members of the public and the media to rely on official communications for information on the status and transmission of Constitution Alteration Bills.
The clarification comes as the National Assembly continues to work on proposed constitutional amendments, including those dealing with policing and governance structure. The State Police Bill is one of several bills aimed at addressing Nigeria's security challenges. The bill's passage is expected to have significant implications for the country's policing system.
The National Assembly's commitment to transparency in the Constitution Alteration process is underscored by its decision to provide regular updates on the status of bills. This move aims to prevent misinformation and ensure that stakeholders are informed about the progress of constitutional amendments.
The State Police Bill's transmission to state Houses of Assembly marks a significant step towards addressing Nigeria's security concerns. The bill's consideration by state legislatures will determine its potential impact on the country's policing system. Key stakeholders will be watching closely as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
Key points
- Only the State Police Bill has been transmitted to Nigeria's 36 state Houses of Assembly.
