By David Oluwatosin
The push for the establishment of State Police has entered a crucial stage as the National Assembly transmitted the proposed constitutional amendment bill to all 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, confirmed that the Constitution Alteration Bill was transmitted to the state legislatures on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The National Assembly expects the state assemblies to consider the bill and communicate their resolutions within 30 days of receiving it.
Ogunlana, however, clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative target rather than a constitutional deadline, as the Constitution does not prescribe a specific timeframe within which the state legislatures must respond.
The National Assembly also acknowledged the constitutional powers and independence of the State Houses of Assembly in determining their positions on the proposed amendment.
For the constitutional amendment to proceed, the bill must secure the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, in line with the constitutional requirements for altering the nation’s supreme law.
The proposed State Police framework was earlier passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, marking a significant step in the legislative process.
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The proposal is aimed at creating a policing structure at the state level as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to security challenges.
Following the transmission of the bill, the state legislatures are expected to deliberate on the proposed amendment and forward their respective resolutions to the National Assembly.
The National Assembly said it would take the next steps in the process after receiving the decisions of the state assemblies.
It reaffirmed its commitment to due process, cooperation between legislative institutions and compliance with the constitutional provisions governing amendments to the Constitution.
