Nigeria: NASS to Transmit State Police Bill to President Tinubu as 28 States Endorse Constitutional Amendment

The National Assembly has said that the bill seeking to establish state police will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent after 28 State Houses of Assembly endorsed the constitutional amendment.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Tuesday.

"The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly wishes to inform the general public that it has received reports from 28 State Houses of Assembly indicating their approval of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, seeking to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and related matters," the statement read in part.

The bill was transmitted by the Clerk to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, for their consideration and approval, with a request that their decisions be communicated to the National Assembly within 30 days.

However, the Clerk noted that as of October 15, only 28 states have acceded to the bill.

"The stipulated period elapsed on 15 October 2026, but my Office shall continue to accept reports from the State Houses of Assembly until the bill is transmitted for assent.

"Following the receipt and verification of the reports, the Office confirms that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the Bill.

"This represents more than the constitutionally prescribed threshold of not less than two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, equivalent to 24 States, as required under Section 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999."

The NASS said it has also undertaken the necessary administrative verification of the reports and accompanying votes and proceedings to establish their authenticity and ensure that the records accurately reflect the decisions taken by the respective State Houses of Assembly.

"It is pertinent to clarify that Section 9 of the Constitution does not expressly prescribe a Third Reading for a Constitution Alteration Bill, unlike the procedure applicable to ordinary Bills."

Upon approval by the 28 states, NASS said the bill will now be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

"In view of the approvals secured from the required number of State Houses of Assembly, the necessary administrative processes are being undertaken to facilitate the transmission of the Bill to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for assent, in accordance with the Acts Authentication Act, CAP A2, (LFN) 2004."

The National Assembly appreciated the cooperation and timely response of the State Houses of Assembly in the consideration of the "important constitutional amendment," which it said represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and deepen the country's federal system.

"The Office will continue to provide accurate and timely information on developments relating to the constitutional amendment process," NASS added.