The Osun State House of Assembly has become the first state legislature in Nigeria to approve the proposed constitutional amendment for the establishment of state police. This development comes after the National Assembly clarified that only the State Police Services Bill had been transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly. The bill was transmitted to the state legislatures on September 16, 2026, and the Osun State House of Assembly unanimously approved it after deliberations.
The National Assembly's clarification was made through a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. According to Ogunlana, the State Police Services Bill was the only constitutional alteration proposal transmitted to the states, while other bills would be forwarded after being passed in identical form by both chambers. This clarification was necessary to address reports suggesting that the National Assembly had forwarded the entire package of proposed Constitution alterations to the state legislatures.
The decision to prioritize the State Police Bill was in response to widespread public demands and concerns over security and policing in the country. The National Assembly's move to transmit the bill to state legislatures was aimed at addressing the growing need for effective security measures at the state and local government levels. The Osun State House of Assembly's approval of the bill is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the security architecture of the country.
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, read a letter from the National Assembly requesting state Houses of Assembly to deliberate on and approve the proposed constitutional amendment. Lawmakers representing various constituencies in the state supported the passage of the bill, noting that the establishment of state police would further enhance security across the country. They described the proposed establishment of state police as timely and emphasized its potential to strengthen the security architecture of the country.
The lawmakers also noted that the proposed amendment would enhance the ability of states to provide adequate security personnel and respond more effectively to security challenges within their respective jurisdictions. The Assembly's Majority Leader, Babajide Kofoworola, moved the motion for the House to support the proposed amendment, which was subsequently seconded by Tajudeen Adeyemi. The motion was approved, and the bill was passed.
During the plenary session, the House also dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for further consideration of the Osun State Park Management System Bill, 2026. The committee considered proposed amendments and corrections to the bill and adopted them as part of the proposal. This development demonstrates the Osun State House of Assembly's commitment to addressing various legislative matters.
The approval of the state police constitutional amendment by the Osun State House of Assembly sets a precedent for other states in Nigeria. The establishment of state police is expected to have a positive impact on security and policing in the country, particularly at the state and local government levels. The National Assembly's transmission of the bill to state legislatures marks a significant step towards implementing this important reform.
Key points
- Osun State House of Assembly is the first to approve the proposed constitutional amendment for state police establishment.
- National Assembly clarifies that only the State Police Services Bill has been transmitted to state legislatures.
- The establishment of state police is expected to enhance security and policing in Nigeria, particularly at the state and local government levels.
