By Hosanna Eseose
The House of Representatives has passed a Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police across Nigeria, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture and address growing security challenges.
The Bill was passed on Thursday following a vote in which 289 lawmakers supported the proposal, one voted against it, while no member abstained.
Before voting commenced, attendance was verified at 290 members, meeting the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds quorum in the 360-member House.
The legislation, comprising 18 clauses, proposes amendments to Sections 214–216 and other relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). It was read for the third time and subsequently passed, while consideration of other Constitution Alteration Bills was deferred.
The proposed amendment is regarded as one of the most significant elements of the ongoing constitutional review process. It seeks to create a decentralized policing system that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services while maintaining coordination and oversight mechanisms with federal authorities.
According to the House, the framework contains provisions designed to ensure accountability, effective supervision, and a clear delineation of responsibilities between federal and state policing institutions.
Speaking after the passage of the Bill, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said security remains the foundation upon which national development and stability depend.
“By passing this Bill, the House has taken a decisive constitutional step towards creating a policing framework that is more responsive to local realities while remaining firmly anchored within the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, described the outcome as a reflection of the House’s responsiveness to widespread calls for security sector reforms and stronger governance structures.
He noted that the passage of the Bill demonstrates lawmakers’ commitment to addressing the country’s security concerns through constitutional means.
The State Police proposal is part of a broader package of constitutional amendments currently under consideration, covering electoral reforms, judicial reforms, local government administration, devolution of powers, fiscal reforms, human rights, institutional strengthening, and other governance-related issues.
The House of Representatives reiterated its commitment to an inclusive and transparent constitutional review process aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, improving security, and enhancing governance across the federation.
Abuja Times reports that the Bill is expected to proceed to the next stages of the constitutional amendment process, including consideration by State Houses of Assembly, before it can become part of the Constitution. :::