Nigeria's House of Representatives Passes State Police Bill

Nigeria's House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed an executive bill to establish state police services, with 311 lawmakers voting in favor of the constitutional amendment. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services and for Related Matters (HB. 2797),” seeks to create a legal foundation for policing at the state level.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, noted that 35 lawmakers participated virtually in the vote, while 276 were physically present. The passage followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

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The proposal builds on previous efforts by the House and introduces safeguards to ensure the creation of a dual policing structure capable of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

President Bola Tinubu recently sent the bill to the House, stating that the proposal builds on prior efforts and includes safeguards for a dual policing structure designed to tackle Nigeria's security challenges. He described the amendment as a crucial component of his administration's strategy to reform the nation's security architecture and enhance citizen protection.

Following the bill's transmission, the House rescinded its earlier resolution on state police services from June 11, 2026, and dissolved the previously constituted 12-member Conference Committee. The bill will now proceed through the constitutional amendment process before it can become law.

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The proposed amendment was a key part of his administration’s plan to reform the country’s security architecture and improve protection for citizens.