BREAKING: Nigeria is one step closer to having state police as a constitutional amendment bill seeking to create state police forces has cleared a major hurdle after securing approval from 28 state Houses of Assembly.

The National Assembly confirmed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, that the bill has surpassed the constitutional threshold required for amendment, moving the long-debated plan closer to becoming law.

What the Bill Seeks

The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow states to establish their own police forces to complement the Nigeria Police Force. Proponents argue that state police will help tackle insecurity at the grassroots, improve response time, and allow states to address peculiar security challenges.

For over a decade, the debate on state police has divided stakeholders. Supporters, including many state governors and regional groups, insist that Nigeria’s centralized policing system is overstretched and unable to secure the vast federation. Opponents have raised concerns about possible abuse by state governors and funding.

28 States Approval: Why It Matters

According to the Nigerian Constitution, a constitutional amendment bill requires approval from at least 24 out of the 36 state Houses of Assembly — two-thirds majority. With 28 states now approving, the bill has comfortably crossed that threshold.

The National Assembly is expected to now proceed to the final stages of the amendment process, including harmonization by both Senate and House of Representatives and transmission to the President for assent.

Background

The push for state police gained renewed momentum amid rising insecurity, including banditry in the North-West, insurgency in the North-East, and communal clashes in the North-Central. Several regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West and Ebube Agu in the South-East were established by states as interim measures, but they lack full police powers.

If signed into law, states will be empowered to recruit, fund, and oversee their own police forces, while the federal police will continue to handle federal offenses and inter-state crimes.

What Next?

Legal experts say the National Assembly will now compile the approved amendments and present them for final passage. Once passed and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria will officially operate a dual policing system for the first time since the First Republic.

MainFocus News will continue to monitor developments from the National Assembly and bring you verified updates.

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