The Nigerian National Assembly has clarified that only one constitution alteration bill, seeking to establish State Police Services, has been transmitted to the 36 state assemblies for consideration and approval. This clarification comes amid reports suggesting that all constitution alteration bills currently before the National Assembly had been forwarded to state legislatures. The National Assembly leadership stated that other constitution bills are still awaiting passage by the National Assembly.
According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the transmitted bill is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026. This bill aims to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and related matters. Ogunlana recalled that the National Assembly informed the public on September 16, 2026, about the transmission of the State Police Bill to state legislatures.
The decision to prioritize the State Police Bill was made in response to widespread public demands and concerns over security and policing in Nigeria. The initiative seeks to address these concerns through a constitutional and legal framework. Ogunlana emphasized that it is incorrect to suggest that all constitution alteration bills before the National Assembly have been transmitted to the states.
The Clerk to the National Assembly further disclosed that other Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bills before the National Assembly will be transmitted to state legislatures after being passed in identical form by both chambers of the federal legislature. This process is in accordance with the constitutional amendment procedure. The National Assembly remains committed to conducting the ongoing Constitution Alteration process transparently and responsibly.
Ogunlana urged members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the National Assembly for accurate information on the status and transmission of constitution alteration bills. This clarification comes barely a week after the National Assembly announced the transmission of the State Police Bill to state legislatures, marking a significant stage in the constitutional process.
The proposed State Police framework is being considered against the backdrop of widespread security concerns across Nigeria and calls for a constitutional framework that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services. The National Assembly's clarification aims to provide accurate information and manage public expectations regarding the constitution alteration bills.
The National Assembly's commitment to transparency and responsible conduct of the Constitution Alteration process is reaffirmed. The ongoing process seeks to address pressing national issues, such as security and policing, through constitutional and legal frameworks. The State Police Bill's transmission to state legislatures marks a significant step towards potentially reforming Nigeria's policing system.
Key points
- Only the State Police Bill has been transmitted to the 36 state assemblies for consideration and approval.
- Other constitution alteration bills are still awaiting passage by the National Assembly.
- The National Assembly prioritized the State Police Bill in response to public demands and security concerns.
