The Nigerian quest for State Police has made progress, albeit slowly, with only four states approving the proposed constitutional amendment so far. This development comes after the National Assembly transmitted the 1999 Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on September 16. The bill seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution.
The National Assembly has expressed expectations for state legislatures to consider the bill within one month and communicate their resolutions within 30 days of receiving it. However, the 30-day period is an administrative timeframe, not a constitutional deadline. The National Assembly recognises the constitutional responsibility and independence of the State Houses of Assembly in considering the proposed amendments.
According to Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, altering the Constitution requires approval by at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, or 24 legislatures, before the amendment can proceed to the next stage. The states that have approved the bill so far are Edo, Osun, Oyo, and Rivers. Several other state legislatures have yet to begin considering the bill, while some say they are still awaiting its transmission from the National Assembly.
Some state assemblies appear to be taking their time by constituting a committee to examine the proposed state police bill before the full House considers it. State-level deliberations are expected to focus on the structure, powers, funding, and accountability of the proposed State Police, as well as its relationship with the Nigeria Police Force.
The bill, if fully implemented, would empower state governments to establish, fund, and operate their own police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force. The Nigeria Police Force is currently the sole, centrally controlled police institution under the Federal Government. This change aims to decentralize policing and potentially improve security across the country.
Concerns remain over the pace of the constitutional amendment process. The slow progress has sparked discussions about the potential implications of State Police on the country's security landscape. Proponents argue that State Police could enhance security and response to local challenges, while critics raise concerns about potential politicization and abuse.
As the consideration of the State Police bill continues, Nigerians await the outcome, which could significantly impact the country's policing system. The National Assembly's transmission of the bill to state legislatures marks a crucial step toward potentially reforming the country's policing structure. The process is ongoing, with various stakeholders watching closely.
Key points
- Four Nigerian states have approved the State Police bill.
- The bill seeks to decentralize policing in Nigeria.
- State-level deliberations will focus on structure, powers, and funding of State Police.
