State Police Bill Clears Constitutional Hurdle as 28 Assemblies Give Approval

Nigeria’s proposed State Police Bill has received the backing of 28 State Houses of Assembly, meeting and exceeding the constitutional requirement for a constitutional amendment to proceed to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

The approval represents more than the required two-thirds of the country’s 36 state legislatures, with the constitutionally prescribed minimum set at 24 states.

The development was announced on Tuesday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, who said his office had verified the reports received from the 28 assemblies, including their votes and proceedings.

Ogunlana said the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, aimed at establishing State Police Services and related provisions, was sent to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, for consideration.

The legislatures were initially expected to submit their decisions within 30 days, with the deadline set for October 15.

Despite the deadline, the Clerk said the National Assembly would continue accepting reports from state assemblies until the bill is forwarded for presidential assent.

He said, “Following the receipt and verification of the reports, the Office confirms that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the Bill.

“This represents more than the constitutionally prescribed threshold of not less than two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, equivalent to 24 States, as required under Section 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”

According to Ogunlana, the National Assembly undertook administrative checks on the submissions and accompanying votes and proceedings to verify their authenticity and confirm that they reflected the decisions of the respective legislatures.

He further explained that the Constitution does not explicitly require a third reading for constitutional amendment bills under Section 9, unlike ordinary legislative bills.

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