By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Assembly has transmitted the State Police Bill to all 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The move seeks state approval for constitutional amendments establishing State Police Services across Nigeria. The National Assembly expects the assemblies to communicate their resolutions within 30 days.
State Assemblies Receive State Police Bill
Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, confirmed the transmission of the bill.
He said the National Assembly expects the State Assemblies to consider the proposed amendments expeditiously.
However, the Constitution does not set a specific timeframe for the assemblies’ response.
The 30-day period therefore serves as an administrative timeframe rather than a constitutional deadline.
National Assembly Clarifies 30-Day Period
Ogunlana stressed that the State Houses of Assembly retain their constitutional independence.
He also acknowledged their responsibility to consider the proposed constitutional amendments.
Therefore, each State Assembly must follow its constitutional procedures before reaching a decision.
The National Assembly will await their resolutions before taking further action.
Two-Thirds State Approval Required
The Constitution requires broad state support for constitutional alteration bills.
At least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly must approve the proposed amendment.
This requirement means at least 24 State Assemblies must support the bill.
Consequently, the National Assembly cannot complete the constitutional amendment process without sufficient state approval.
State Police Bill Targets Security Challenges
Both chambers of the National Assembly passed the State Police Bill weeks ago.
The proposal seeks to establish State Police Services across the country.
Supporters of the measure have linked the proposal to efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
The initiative would introduce a constitutional framework for state-level policing.
However, the proposal still requires the constitutionally prescribed approval process.
National Assembly Awaits State Resolutions
The National Assembly said it would proceed with the next steps after receiving the state resolutions.
Meanwhile, it reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional procedures and institutional cooperation.
The legislature also stressed the importance of due process throughout the amendment process.
The outcome of the State Assemblies’ deliberations will determine the bill’s next stage.
