The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services across Nigeria. This development gives fresh momentum to the ongoing push for decentralised policing. The lawmakers gave their approval on Monday during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule. The proposed amendment seeks to establish a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of State Police Services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force at the federal level.
The National Assembly transmitted the 1999 Constitution, Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration and concurrence on September 16, 2026. The bill aims to provide a legal and constitutional basis for the establishment and operation of State Police Services. Before the vote, Amaewhule drew the attention of lawmakers to Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution. This section requires constitutional alterations approved by the National Assembly to also secure the support of at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly.
According to Amaewhule, at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state legislatures must approve the proposed amendment for it to advance to the next stage of the constitutional amendment process. The Speaker subsequently read the proposed amendment before the House, outlining provisions aimed at providing a legal and constitutional basis for the establishment and operation of State Police Services. Members were then asked to indicate their positions on the bill by raising their hands.
Announcing the result, Amaewhule said all 25 lawmakers present voted in favour of the proposed amendment, with none voting against and no abstention recorded. The Rivers Assembly’s decision adds to the ongoing consideration of the State Police proposal by state legislatures across the country. This development also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s call for constitutional reforms to enable the establishment of State Police as part of efforts to strengthen security at the grassroots.
The Presidency has described decentralised policing as a measure that could complement the existing federal security structure by bringing policing closer to communities and improving responses to local security challenges. The proposed amendment has the potential to address the current policing challenges in Nigeria. By establishing State Police Services, the government aims to improve security and provide a more effective response to local security challenges.
The Rivers State House of Assembly’s endorsement of the proposed amendment is a significant step towards achieving decentralised policing in Nigeria. The state legislature’s decision demonstrates its commitment to improving security in the state and the country at large. The Assembly’s support for the proposed amendment is also a boost to President Tinubu’s security reform efforts.
The proposed constitutional amendment will now be sent to the National Assembly for further consideration. If approved, it will be sent to the President for assent. The establishment of State Police Services has the potential to transform the policing landscape in Nigeria and improve security outcomes. The outcome of the Rivers State House of Assembly’s vote will be closely watched by stakeholders across the country.
Key points
- The Rivers State House of Assembly unanimously endorses proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services.
- The proposed amendment seeks to establish a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of State Police Services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force at the federal level.
- The Rivers Assembly’s decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s call for constitutional reforms to enable the establishment of State Police as part of efforts to strengthen security at the grassroots.
