Nigeria state police legislation has moved into a decisive stage after the National Assembly transmitted a constitutional amendment bill to all 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The proposal would allow states to establish their own police services alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force. It has not yet become law, and state-level approval is now required before the amendment can advance.
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At least 24 states must approve the bill
Under Section 9 of Nigeria’s Constitution, a constitutional amendment must receive approval from at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly. With 36 states in the federation, that means at least 24 state legislatures must pass supporting resolutions.
The state assemblies have been asked to communicate their positions within 30 days of receiving the bill. That period is an administrative target rather than a constitutional deadline, meaning the assemblies are not automatically prevented from taking longer to consider the proposal.
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Federal legislative consideration | Completed for the transmitted proposal |
| Transmission to state assemblies | Completed on September 16, 2026 |
| Required state approvals | At least 24 of 36 assemblies |
| Presidential assent | Still required after the constitutional process |
| State police implementation | Not yet in effect |
What the Nigeria state police proposal would change
Nigeria currently operates a highly centralized policing structure. The proposed reform would create a dual system in which state police services operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Supporters argue that state-based services could respond more quickly to local security threats because officers would be closer to the communities, terrain and criminal networks they are expected to monitor.
The proposal is advancing as Nigeria faces persistent security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, communal violence and organized crime. Supporters say local authorities need greater operational capacity to respond to threats that vary widely between the country’s regions.
The reform also raises questions about oversight, funding, political independence and the protection of civil liberties. State police forces would operate under state-level institutions, making clear legal rules and accountability mechanisms important to prevent abuse or partisan interference.
Constitutional reform includes other measures
The transmitted Sixth Alteration Bill is part of a wider constitutional reform package. Other proposals under consideration include greater financial autonomy for local governments, independent candidacy, electoral changes, reserved legislative seats for women and judicial reforms.
The state police proposal is likely to attract the greatest public attention because it would change how policing powers are divided between Nigeria’s federal and state governments.
What happens next
State lawmakers must review the text and decide whether to approve it by resolution. The National Assembly will then assess the responses and determine whether the required two-thirds threshold has been reached.
If at least 24 state assemblies approve the amendment, further constitutional steps would remain before the proposal could take effect. Presidential assent would still be required, and additional work would likely be needed to establish operational standards, funding arrangements, training requirements and oversight rules.
For now, the development marks the beginning of the ratification stage rather than the creation of state police forces. The next major milestone will be the first public decisions from state assemblies and the running total of approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nigeria created state police yet?
No. The constitutional amendment has moved to the 36 state assemblies but still requires approval from at least 24 states and further constitutional steps.
How many Nigerian states must approve the state police bill?
At least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly must approve the proposal.
What is the 30-day period for state assemblies?
It is an administrative timeframe for state assemblies to communicate their resolutions. It is not a constitutional deadline.
What would state police change in Nigeria?
It would allow states to establish police services alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
What happens after state assemblies vote?
The National Assembly will review the resolutions. If the required threshold is met, the proposal would still need to complete the remaining constitutional process, including presidential assent.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against Nigeria’s constitutional amendment procedure and National Assembly legislative materials, including the Section 9 two-thirds requirement and the Sixth Alteration Bill. ([nass.gov.ng](https://nass.gov.ng/documents/download/11229?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The proposal remains under consideration and should not be interpreted as a law establishing operational state police forces.