ABUJA - The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which provides for the establishment of State Police, to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification, marking a major step in Nigeria's security reform.
The bill, which was cleared by federal lawmakers, was forwarded by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, as President Bola Tinubu faces mounting pressure over worsening insecurity ahead of the January elections.
National Assembly Sends State Police Bill To States
According to Ogunlana, the National Assembly has asked the 36 State Assemblies to return their resolutions within 30 days, although he clarified that the timeframe is administrative and not constitutionally binding.
“The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which contains provisions for state police, has been cleared by federal lawmakers and sent to Nigeria's 36 state assemblies for consideration.”
For the bill to become law, it must be approved by at least two-thirds of the State Assemblies, representing 24 out of the 36 states, before it can be signed into law.
What State Police Means For Nigeria
Supporters of the bill argue that State Police will improve responses to local security threats by decentralising policing powers from the Federal Government, allowing governors to directly control security operations in their states.
The bill is part of other constitutional amendment proposals still awaiting final approval, including local government autonomy, independent candidacy, and reserved legislative seats for women and citizenship by investment.
Biggest Security Reform Since 1999
If ratified by the required 24 states, it would be one of the most sweeping changes to Nigeria's security and governance framework since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999, fundamentally altering the country's centralized policing system.
M2NICE Analysis: The State Police bill is coming at a critical time when many Nigerians are demanding local solutions to kidnapping and banditry. If passed, states like Benue, Plateau, and Zamfara could have their own police to respond faster than Abuja-controlled forces. However, critics worry about abuse by governors, which is why this debate will be intense in all 36 assemblies.
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