The proposed amendment has secured the support required under Section 9(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which requires approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly. This means at least 24 states must endorse a constitutional alteration.
The National Assembly initially confirmed that 28 state assemblies had approved the proposal. Subsequent reports from lawmakers put the number at 29 and 30, reflecting updates as additional approvals were received and verified.
On November 4, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu announced that the National Assembly leadership had directed its Clerk to transmit the harmonised bill to President Tinubu for assent.
The Guardian also reported on November 5 that the bill had been forwarded to the President. However, the Senate has continued to give the six outstanding state assemblies until November 15 to communicate their positions.
The important distinction is that the constitutional approval threshold has been crossed, but the proposed amendment has not yet become law.
Arise News+3
How State Police Could Change Nigeria’s Security System
Under the proposed arrangement, Nigeria would move from its current centralised policing structure towards a dual system involving federal and state police services.
The Federal Police Service would continue operating nationally, while individual state governments would have the constitutional authority to establish and manage their own police forces.
Supporters believe the arrangement could improve intelligence gathering because state police officers would have closer knowledge of the communities, languages, local disputes and security challenges within their jurisdictions.
For example, states experiencing kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and armed attacks could develop policing strategies that respond more directly to their particular security situations.
The proposed framework also provides for state governors to appoint commissioners of police, subject to recommendations from the appropriate police service commission and confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly.
Governors would also have powers to issue lawful directives concerning public safety and public order.
The federal police would, however, remain an important part of the country’s overall security structure.
Premium Times Nigeria+1
Concerns Over Political Interference and Funding
Despite the support for decentralised policing, the proposal has generated discussions about how state police forces would operate without becoming instruments of political control.
One major concern is the possibility that governors could use state police officers to intimidate political opponents, suppress peaceful protests or influence electoral activities.
Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro has called for safeguards to prevent possible abuse of the proposed system.
There are also questions about funding, recruitment, training, equipment and the standard of professional policing across the states.
Wealthier states may have greater capacity to finance modern police infrastructure, while states with limited financial resources could struggle to maintain properly equipped forces.
Experts have therefore emphasised the importance of establishing clear operational standards, accountability mechanisms and independent oversight structures.
A successful state police system would require strong institutions capable of protecting citizens’ rights while ensuring that officers remain accountable to the law.
What Happens Next?
The proposed constitutional amendment has reached a significant stage, but the process is not yet complete.
President Tinubu’s assent is the next major step identified by the National Assembly in the transmission process. The implementation framework and supporting legislation will also be important in determining how the new policing structure operates.
The Presidency has already established a working group to support the development of the proposed dual policing system.
The group is expected to address important issues, including the legal framework, funding arrangements, operational responsibilities and safeguards against abuse.
The remaining state assemblies have also been given an opportunity to communicate their positions by November 15, 2026.
Outlook for Nigeria’s Security Sector
The proposed establishment of state police represents one of the most significant constitutional and security reforms being considered in Nigeria in recent years.
If implemented effectively, it could bring policing decisions closer to communities, improve local intelligence and strengthen responses to security threats.
However, decentralisation alone will not automatically eliminate insecurity. Its success will depend on adequate funding, professional training, effective supervision and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
For Nigeria, the challenge will be to create a policing system that combines local responsiveness with national coordination and accountability.
The progress of the amendment therefore marks an important moment in the country’s security reform efforts, as attention shifts towards completing the constitutional process and establishing the safeguards needed for effective implementation.
