The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture.
The bill was approved with an overwhelming majority, as 289 lawmakers voted in favour, one voted against, while no member abstained. Attendance was verified at 290 members, meeting the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds quorum of the 360-member chamber.
The legislation, which contains 18 clauses, amends Sections 214 to 216 and other relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It was read for the third time and passed during plenary, with consideration of other constitutional amendment bills deferred to allow priority attention to the state police proposal.
The bill seeks to establish a decentralised policing framework designed to strengthen internal security through improved coordination, oversight, accountability and a clearer division of responsibilities between federal and state policing authorities.
Speaking after the passage, Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, described security as the bedrock of national development and said the legislation represents a decisive constitutional step towards a more responsive policing system.
“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.
Also commenting, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the outcome reflected the House’s responsiveness to growing national consensus on the need for security sector reforms and stronger governance structures.
The state police proposal is part of a broader package of constitutional amendments covering electoral reforms, judicial reforms, local government administration, devolution of powers, fiscal reforms, human rights and institutional strengthening.
The House reiterated its commitment to an inclusive and transparent constitutional review process aimed at enhancing security, deepening democracy and improving governance across the federation.
