State Police: National Assembly Begins Process to Transmit Bill to Tinubu

The National Assembly has initiated administrative procedures to transmit a constitutional amendment bill to President Bola Tinubu, following its approval by 28 state Houses of Assembly. This development marks progress towards decentralizing Nigeria's policing system. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, confirmed in a statement that the bill seeking the establishment of state police services and related matters had been verified as approved by the requisite number of state legislatures.

Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution mandates the approval of at least 24 states before a constitutional alteration can proceed. With the necessary approvals obtained, the National Assembly is now transmitting the bill to the president for assent. The bill was sent to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, with a request for their decisions to be communicated within 30 days.

Although the deadline has passed, Ogunlana assured that his office would continue receiving reports from the state legislatures until the bill is transmitted for presidential approval. The proposed state police establishment aims to enhance local intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and facilitate quicker responses to security threats.

However, concerns over political interference, abuse of power, funding, operational independence, accountability, and human rights protection have also been raised. The National Assembly expressed appreciation for the state legislatures' cooperation and assured Nigerians of continued accurate and timely updates on the constitutional amendment process.