Nigeria’s State Police Amendment has reached a major milestone after 24 State Houses of Assembly reportedly approved the proposed constitutional change. The development meets the required two-thirds threshold and moves the country closer to establishing a decentralised policing system.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, announced the development on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, proposes a dual policing system comprising federal and state police services. The National Assembly had already passed the amendment before forwarding it to state legislatures for consideration.
According to Gbajabiamila, the approval by 24 assemblies satisfies the constitutional requirement under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He commended the state lawmakers for supporting the proposal and acknowledged the National Assembly’s role in advancing the reform.
The proposed change aims to give states a constitutional framework to establish their own police services. Supporters believe this could help security agencies respond more effectively to local threats and gather intelligence within communities.
Further Steps Required Before State Police Begin Operations
Despite meeting the required threshold, the approval does not mean state police have started operating in Nigeria. The amendment must proceed through the remaining constitutional steps, including transmission to President Tinubu for assent.
Meanwhile, the draft National Policing Bill, 2026, is undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice. The Presidential Working Group expects the ministry to return the draft bills by October 30.
The group will then conduct a final review before presenting the proposals to the President. The proposed legislation is expected to provide the legal and operational framework for the dual policing system.
However, establishing state police will require clear rules on funding, accountability, recruitment and operational responsibilities. These safeguards will also matter in preventing political interference and protecting citizens’ rights.
The approval marks a significant step in Nigeria’s proposed policing reform. Nevertheless, the country must complete the outstanding legal and legislative processes before state police can become operational.
