By Mercy Adi
The House of Representatives has withdrawn its proposed constitutional amendment on the establishment of state police, opting instead to consider a similar bill transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The development followed proceedings at Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers gave the Executive-sponsored Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 both first and second readings.
The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.
The move effectively suspends the House’s earlier proposal as lawmakers shift attention to the Executive-backed amendment, which is expected to undergo detailed scrutiny at the committee stage before being returned to the floor for further consideration.
President Tinubu had formally transmitted the bill to the House, seeking constitutional backing for the establishment of state police services across the country as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, the President explained that the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation and operation of state police.
“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by the House while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the effective implementation of a dual policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.
According to him, the proposed framework is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges by creating a more responsive and efficient policing structure.
“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” he added.
Tinubu described the proposed legislation as a key component of his administration’s security reform agenda, expressing confidence that lawmakers would give it speedy consideration.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill,” the President said.
He further urged lawmakers to expedite work on the bill, stressing that the reforms are vital to enhancing public safety and strengthening the country’s overall security framework.