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 across the country.
National Assembly Sends State Police Bill To States
According to the Clerk, 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, so states can take more time to debate.
“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 transmitted to the President for assent.
The State Police bill is one of the most anticipated of the 2026 constitutional review. It seeks to amend Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution to allow states to establish their own police services to complement the Nigeria Police Force.
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 and recruit officers who understand local languages and terrain.
States like Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Borno and Katsina that face banditry and farmer-herder crises would benefit from faster response instead of waiting for orders from Abuja. Proponents say local police will know forests, villages and hideouts better than federal officers posted from other regions.
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 that has existed since 1960.
Opponents however worry about potential abuse by state governors who could use state police to harass opposition, rig elections, or settle political scores. To address this, the bill includes safeguards like a National Police Service Commission and limits on governor's powers over operational control.
The Nigeria Governors Forum has largely supported State Police, while civil society groups are calling for strong oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse.
Editorial Note: The State Police bill is coming at a critical time when many Nigerians are demanding local solutions to kidnapping and banditry that federal police have struggled to stop. If passed, states like Benue, Plateau, and Zamfara could have their own police to respond within minutes. However, the debate in 36 assemblies will be intense because of fear of abuse by governors. How the bill balances local control with federal oversight will determine if it passes the 24-state threshold.
Quick Facts
What is State Police Bill?
Bill to allow 36 states create their own police to complement federal police.
How many states must approve?
At least 24 out of 36 State Houses of Assembly must vote yes.
When will State Police start?
Only after 24 states approve and President Tinubu signs it into law. Then states will set up laws to establish their police.
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