NASS sends State Police Bill to 36 states for approval
The National Assembly has sent the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill of 2026 to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for their consideration and approval. The bill, which includes provisions for the establishment of state police, was transmitted on Wednesday, September 16, as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Kamoru Ogunlana, the Clerk to the National Assembly, confirmed that the transmission of the bill follows Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He announced that state assemblies are expected to review the bill and communicate their resolutions within 30 days of receipt. However, he clarified that this timeframe is administrative and not a constitutional requirement.
For the bill to advance, it must receive approval from at least two-thirds of the state assemblies, equivalent to 24 states. The proposed establishment of state police is aimed at reforming Nigeria’s policing structure amid ongoing security challenges across the country.
In addition to the state police proposal, the assembly is also considering amendments related to local government autonomy, independent candidacy, reserved legislative seats for women, and other electoral and governance reforms.
State Houses of Assembly are now expected to begin their deliberations on the bill, following their internal legislative procedures, and will notify the National Assembly of their resolutions. The National Assembly plans to take the necessary steps once it receives feedback from the state legislatures.
