The Osun State House of Assembly has unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment that paves the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria. This development occurred during a plenary session on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The approval was given following deliberations on the constitutional alteration bill that was transmitted to state legislatures by the National Assembly. This bill is part of a broader constitutional review aimed at creating a legal framework for state police services across the country.
The National Assembly had earlier passed the state police proposal and transmitted the constitutional amendment bill to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration. For the proposed amendment to proceed to the next stage, it must be approved by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, representing 24 states. The proposed framework would create a dual policing structure involving federal and state police services, with states empowered to establish their own police services subject to constitutional and legislative provisions.
The Osun State House of Assembly's approval adds the state to the list of legislatures considering the proposed constitutional changes. The state police proposal is part of efforts to reform Nigeria's security architecture and provide policing structures that can respond more directly to security challenges at the state level. This proposal has been presented as a solution to address the unique security needs of different states in Nigeria.
However, the proposal is not yet law. It still requires the constitutionally prescribed approvals from the required number of state Houses of Assembly before the constitutional alteration process can be completed. The process involves a thorough review and approval by the necessary majority of state legislatures. Once approved, the bill will be sent to the National Assembly for final consideration.
The establishment of state police services is expected to enhance security and provide a more localized approach to policing. This move is seen as a way to address the diverse security challenges faced by different states in Nigeria. The proposed state police services will operate alongside the existing federal police services, creating a dual policing structure.
The Osun State House of Assembly's approval demonstrates the state's commitment to improving security and addressing the unique needs of its citizens. The state's lawmakers have shown support for the proposed constitutional amendment, which is expected to pave the way for the establishment of state police services. This development is a significant step towards enhancing security in the state.
The proposed constitutional amendment will now be sent to other state legislatures for consideration. If approved by the required majority of state Houses of Assembly, the bill will be sent to the National Assembly for final consideration. The establishment of state police services is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria's security architecture, providing a more localized approach to policing and addressing the unique security challenges faced by different states.
Key points
- The Osun State House of Assembly has unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria.
- The proposed framework would create a dual policing structure involving federal and state police services.
- The proposal still requires approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, representing 24 states.
