The Anambra and Ekiti State Houses of Assembly have passed bills supporting the establishment of state police in Nigeria, adding momentum to the country’s efforts to reform its policing system.
Anambra lawmakers approved the proposed constitutional amendment during plenary in Awka on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The bill passed through its first, second and third readings in one sitting. Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze subsequently directed the Clerk of the Assembly to transmit the resolution to the National Assembly.
In Ekiti, lawmakers passed the proposed constitutional amendment on Wednesday, October 21. All 21 members present supported the bill after its second and third readings. Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye directed the Clerk to forward the document and the assembly’s observations to the National Assembly.
The decisions come amid growing calls for a policing structure that allows states to respond more directly to security challenges within their territories.
State Police Bills and the Push for Decentralised Policing
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a constitutional framework for state police services while retaining a federal policing structure.
Under the proposed arrangement, state governments could establish their own police services under defined legal requirements. The framework also includes provisions for human rights protection, civilian oversight, firearms control and cooperation between federal and state authorities.
Supporters argue that state police could improve responses to emergencies and help law enforcement agencies understand local security challenges. They also believe the arrangement could bring police leadership closer to communities.
However, concerns remain over possible political interference, accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights. These issues have featured prominently in the national debate over decentralising policing.
The Ekiti Assembly also proposed an amendment to Section 317A(5) of the draft constitutional framework. The change seeks to clarify the legislative powers of the National Assembly and state legislatures in authorising relevant security arrangements.
Constitutional Approval Still Needed
Although Anambra and Ekiti have approved the proposal, state police cannot begin operating solely because the assemblies passed the bills.
Section 9(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution requires at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to approve a constitutional amendment before it can proceed to presidential assent.
The National Assembly must therefore secure the required level of support from state legislatures and complete the remaining constitutional procedures.
The outcome will determine whether Nigeria moves towards a policing system that combines federal and state police services.
For now, the decisions by Anambra and Ekiti mark further progress in the legislative process, while the wider debate continues over how best to improve security across the country.
