Nigeria’s proposed State Police system has entered the state-level consideration stage after the National Assembly transmitted the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police Services to the Houses of Assembly of all 36 states.


The development was confirmed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, who said the bill was transmitted on September 16, 2026, in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.


The National Assembly clarified on Tuesday, September 22, that only the State Police constitutional amendment bill has so far been transmitted to the state legislatures. Other proposed constitutional amendments will be forwarded after they have been passed in identical form by both chambers of the National Assembly.


The bill seeks to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services alongside the existing federal policing structure.


For the proposed amendment to proceed, it must receive the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, representing 24 states.


The National Assembly has asked the state legislatures to consider the bill and communicate their resolutions after completing their respective legislative processes.


While the National Assembly has indicated an expectation that responses should come within 30 days, the period is understood to be an administrative timeframe rather than a constitutional deadline.


The State Police proposal originated as an Executive Bill submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2026. The Senate passed it for third reading on June 24, while the House of Representatives subsequently passed the bill on July 23, 2026.


The National Assembly said the decision to prioritise the State Police Bill was in response to public demands and concerns over security and policing, with the process being conducted in accordance with the constitutional amendment procedure.


Current Status


The State Police proposal has not yet become law. It is currently before the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration. Approval from at least 24 state assemblies is required before the constitutional amendment can proceed to the next stage.