NASS Set to Transmit State Police Bill to Tinubu as 28 States Endorse Proposal
The National Assembly has confirmed that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed State Police Establishment Bill, paving the way for its transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana disclosed this in a statement, noting that the number of approvals exceeds the constitutionally required threshold of 24 states, representing two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
According to the statement, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, which seeks to establish State Police Services and address related matters, was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.
The state legislatures were given 30 days to communicate their decisions to the National Assembly, with the deadline expiring on October 15, 2026.
However, the Clerk said his office would continue to receive reports from state assemblies until the bill is formally transmitted for presidential assent.
He added that the reports and accompanying Votes and Proceedings submitted by the state legislatures had undergone administrative verification to establish their authenticity and ensure that they accurately reflected the decisions of the respective assemblies.
The statement also clarified that Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution does not expressly require a Third Reading for a Constitution Alteration Bill, unlike the procedure for ordinary legislative bills.
The Clerk further disclosed that the necessary administrative procedures were underway to facilitate the transmission of the bill to President Tinubu for assent in accordance with the Acts Authentication Act, CAP A2 (LFN) 2004.
He described the development as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and deepening the country’s federal system.
The National Assembly also commended the State Houses of Assembly for their cooperation and timely response in considering the proposed constitutional amendment.
It assured the public that it would continue to provide updates on developments surrounding the amendment process.
