National Assembly Commences Process to Finally Transmit State Police Bill to Tinubu

On Sunday, the National Assembly commenced administrative procedures to transmit a constitutional amendment bill to President Bola Tinubu for approval. The bill, which seeks to establish state police services across Nigeria, was approved by 28 state legislatures. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, announced this development in a statement, confirming that his office had received and verified reports from the approving state assemblies.

Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution mandates the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, or 24 states, before a constitutional alteration can proceed. With the endorsement of 28 states, this criterion has been fulfilled, enabling the National Assembly to initiate the process of transmitting the bill to the president.

The bill was submitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, requesting their decisions to be communicated within 30 days. Although the deadline has passed, Ogunlana stated that his office would continue to receive reports until the bill is transmitted for presidential assent. While the establishment of state police has been a contentious issue in Nigeria's security reform discussions, proponents argue that it could enhance local intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and facilitate quicker responses to security threats.

However, concerns have been raised about potential political interference, funding, operational independence, accountability, and the need to clearly delineate federal and state policing authorities.