Reps Drop Own State Police Bill, Considers Tinubu’s Proposal

The House of Representatives has stepped back from its own constitutional amendment proposal on state policing and will instead proceed with a similar bill submitted by the Presidency.

The shift became evident during Tuesday’s plenary when lawmakers formally introduced the Executive-sponsored Constitution Alteration Bill on state police and swiftly advanced it through both first and second readings.

Following debate on the proposal, the House referred the bill to its Committee on Constitutional Review for detailed consideration.

The move effectively sidelines the House’s earlier state police initiative, signalling lawmakers’ preference to work with the version forwarded by the Executive as efforts to reform the country’s policing structure gather momentum.

At the committee stage, legislators are expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the bill, examining its provisions, proposed safeguards and operational framework for the establishment of state police services across the federation.

The committee’s recommendations will subsequently be presented to the full House for further debate and legislative action before any final decision is taken on the proposed constitutional amendment.

Tinubu formally transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services across the country.

In a letter addressed to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the proposed legislation is designed to amend the 1999 Constitution and create the legal framework necessary for the operation of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Tinubu explained that the bill builds on previous legislative efforts by the House and introduces additional safeguards aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of a dual policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.

“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services,” the President stated.

According to him, the proposed framework is intended to address the country’s evolving security challenges by enabling a more responsive and efficient policing structure.

“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

The President described the legislation as a key element of his administration’s plan to reform and modernise Nigeria’s security system, expressing confidence that lawmakers would give the proposal prompt consideration.

“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill,” Tinubu added.

He urged the House to expedite deliberations on the bill, stressing the importance of the proposed reforms in enhancing public safety and improving the country’s overall security framework.

Tinubu’s transmission of the bill comes barely two weeks after the Senate passed a similar constitutional amendment proposal aimed at creating state police services across the federation.