The House of Representatives has withdrawn its proposed constitutional amendment bill on state police and will instead consider a similar proposal submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was announced during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers gave the Executive-sponsored Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 its first and second readings.
The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.
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The move effectively puts the House’s earlier state police proposal on hold as lawmakers focus on the Executive-backed amendment.
At the committee stage, members will examine the provisions of the bill before it is returned to the House for further debate and possible passage.
Tinubu Seeks Constitutional Backing
Pinnacle Daily reported that President Tinubu had transmitted the bill to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services across the country.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal framework for the creation and operation of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the proposal builds on earlier legislative work by the House and includes additional safeguards to ensure the effective operation of a dual policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.
Tinubu said the proposed amendment would help address the country’s evolving security challenges by creating a more responsive and efficient policing structure.
He described the legislation as a key part of his administration’s security reform agenda and urged lawmakers to give it speedy consideration and passage.
The President also expressed confidence that the House would act promptly on the bill, saying the proposed reforms are essential to improving public safety and strengthening the nation’s security framework.
The development comes about two weeks after the Senate passed a similar constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across the federation.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.