Nigeria's House Rescinds State Police Bill for Tinubu's Proposal

Nigeria's House of Representatives has withdrawn its constitutional amendment bill on state police. The decision allows lawmakers to consider President Bola Tinubu's executive bill, aiming for a unified constitutional framework for the proposed policing system. House spokesman Akin Rotimi stated this move does not signify a withdrawal of support for state police but is a legislative step to align with the executive's proposal.

The House had previously passed its version of the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill on June 11, 2026, and formed a conference committee to reconcile differences with the Senate. However, the President's executive bill introduced new elements requiring a different legislative approach. "Following the transmission of the Executive Bill, the House determined that new considerations relating to the structure, framework, and implementation of State Police Services necessitated an efficient legislative approach to ensure a coherent constitutional framework consistent with Nigeria’s evolving national security architecture," the statement read.

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Following the transmission of the Executive Bill, the House determined that new considerations relating to the structure, framework, and implementation of State Police Services necessitated an efficient legislative approach to ensure a coherent constitutional framework consistent with Nigeria’s evolving national security architecture.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Rep. Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business. Lawmakers rescinded the earlier resolution and dissolved the Conference Committee to allow for the consideration of the Executive Bill. The executive bill, titled Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2026 (HB. 2797), passed its first and second readings on Tuesday and was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

The House reiterated that its decision should not be seen as abandoning the state police initiative. "The House emphasised that its decision should not be construed as a withdrawal of legislative support for State Police. Rather, it reflects the resolve of the House, working in concert with the Executive, to ensure that the constitutional framework establishing State Police Services is comprehensive, effective, and responsive to Nigeria’s evolving security realities," the statement added. Rotimi affirmed the House's commitment to constitutional reforms through a transparent process that strengthens democratic institutions and addresses national security needs.

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The House emphasised that its decision should not be construed as a withdrawal of legislative support for State Police. Rather, it reflects the resolve of the House, working in concert with the Executive, to ensure that the constitutional framework establishing State Police Services is comprehensive, effective, and responsive to Nigeria’s evolving security realities.