The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which provides a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of State Police Services. The bill was passed at plenary after a clause-by-clause consideration, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin. This move is aimed at restructuring Nigeria's policing architecture.
The consideration of the bill followed a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, transmitting the bill to the House for consideration and approval. The National Assembly had passed the bill on June 24, 2026, in the Senate and July 23, 2026, in the House of Representatives. State legislatures were urged to give it expeditious consideration to facilitate the conclusion of the constitutional alteration process.
The passage of the bill has significant legislative implications for the Oyo Assembly, particularly in the need to develop a comprehensive State Police Law. This law will translate the constitutional framework into an effective operational institution. The Speaker explained that the proposed amendment will fundamentally restructure Nigeria's policing architecture by providing for Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services.
The bill empowers each state to establish its own Police Service through legislation by the State House of Assembly, while clearly defining the respective responsibilities of federal and state police authorities. State Police will be responsible for enforcing state laws, maintaining public safety and order, prevention and detection of offences, protection of life and property, and other local policing functions as may be prescribed by state law.
The proposed framework provides for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions, which will be responsible for the appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, oversight, complaints, and accountability of state police personnel. The bill also provides for a State Commander of Police to head each State Police Service, with the Commander to be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
Furthermore, the bill empowers the National Assembly to prescribe minimum policing standards for both federal and state police services, while allowing states to prescribe higher or additional standards to suit their peculiar security needs. This move is expected to enhance the policing system in Nigeria, making it more effective and responsive to the needs of the people.
The Oyo State House of Assembly's approval of the Constitution Amendment Bill is a significant step towards the creation of State Police Services in Nigeria. The bill's passage will have a lasting impact on the country's policing system, and it is expected that other state legislatures will follow suit. The implementation of the bill will require careful consideration of the roles and responsibilities of federal and state police authorities.
Key points
- Oyo State House of Assembly passes Constitution Amendment Bill to establish State Police Services.
- The bill provides a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of State Police Services.
- The implementation of the bill will require the development of a comprehensive State Police Law.
