State Police Bill Gets Approval Of 24 State Assemblies, Moves Closer To Tinubu’s Assent
The proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria has moved a step closer to reality after the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, secured approval from 24 State Houses of Assembly.
The approval meets the constitutional requirement of at least 24 of the 36 state assemblies for a constitutional amendment, paving the way for the bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill announced the development in a statement issued on Friday by its chairman and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The group commended the state assemblies for supporting the amendment, describing it as a reform of national importance. It also acknowledged the National Assembly for passing the bill through both chambers.
According to the statement, the amendment can now be returned to the National Assembly for transmission to Tinubu for assent in accordance with Section 9 of the Constitution.
The constitutional amendment is expected to provide the legal foundation for a dual policing system, allowing state police to operate alongside the existing federal police structure.
The group disclosed that the draft National Policing Bill, 2026, and related bills were undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The bills are expected to be returned to the working group on or before October 30, 2026, for final consideration before presentation to the President.
The working group reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the proposed policing reform and urged stakeholders to support a smooth transition, saying the initiative is intended to improve public safety across the country.
