State police: N’assembly Receives Approval from 28 States, Prepares Bill for Tinubu’s Assent

The national assembly has received reports from 28 state houses of assembly approving the proposed constitutional amendment to establish decentralised policing in Nigeria.

Kamoru Ogunlana, clerk to the national assembly, relayed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The 28 approvals exceed the constitutionally prescribed threshold of 24 states, representing two-thirds of the 36 state houses of assembly, required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution for constitutional alterations.

The bill, which seeks to establish state police services and provide for related matters, was transmitted to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.

The assemblies were requested to communicate their decisions to the national assembly within 30 days, with the deadline expiring on October 15.

However, Ogunlana said his office would continue to receive reports from state assemblies until the bill is transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

“The Office has also undertaken the necessary administrative verification of the reports and accompanying Votes and Proceedings to establish their authenticity and ensure that the records accurately reflect the decisions taken by the respective State Houses of Assembly,” he said.

“It is pertinent to clarify that Section 9 of the Constitution does not expressly prescribe a Third Reading for a Constitution Alteration Bill, unlike the procedure applicable to ordinary Bills.

“In view of the approvals secured from the required number of State Houses of Assembly, the necessary administrative processes are being undertaken to facilitate the transmission of the Bill to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for assent, in accordance with the Acts Authentication Act, CAP A2, (LEN) 2004.”

Ogunlana commended the state houses of assembly for their cooperation and timely response.

He said the move represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and deepen the country’s federal system.

“The Office will continue to provide accurate and timely information on developments relating to the constitutional amendment process,” he added.