The constitutional amendment has secured the required state-level backing, but the proposed dual policing system still awaits further legislative and presidential steps.
Nigeria’s proposed state police bill has moved closer to becoming law after at least 24 State Houses of Assembly approved the constitutional amendment required to establish a dual policing structure, with reports on Saturday indicating that the number has risen to 25.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced on Friday, October 23, that 24 of the 36 state assemblies had approved the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
The figure met the constitutional threshold of two-thirds of the states. Subsequent reports published on Saturday, October 24, said 25 assemblies had endorsed the proposal, with Gombe listed among the states that approved it.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Presidential Working Group said it was pleased that the amendment had secured the required support.
“The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill notes with satisfaction that the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, providing for a dual policing system, has been approved by 24 State Houses of Assembly, meeting the constitutional threshold of two-thirds of the 36 states,” the statement said.
The group also commended the state legislatures and the National Assembly, which had passed the amendment in both chambers.
“The Working Group commends the State Houses of Assembly for their decisive action on this reform of national importance and appreciates the National Assembly for passing the amendment in both chambers,” it added.
State police amendment moves towards presidential assent
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, a constitutional alteration requires approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly after passage by the National Assembly.
With the required state-level backing secured, the amendment can proceed to the next stage of the legislative process.
“In line with Section 9 of the Constitution, the amendment can now be returned to the National Assembly for transmission to Mr President for assent,” the working group said.
However, the approval threshold does not mean state police have already been established. The constitutional amendment must complete the remaining steps before the proposed policing framework can be implemented.
The draft National Policing Bill, 2026, is also undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The working group said the ministry was expected to return the draft bills on or before Friday, October 30. The group would then conduct a final review before presenting them to Tinubu.
National Policing Bill proposes federal and state services
The proposed National Policing Bill seeks to establish a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
The framework is intended to provide the legal and institutional basis for states to establish their own police services while retaining a federal policing structure.
On October 19, the working group submitted the draft National Policing Bill and 29 consequential amendment bills to the Ministry of Justice for review.
According to the Presidency, the review is intended to ensure that the proposals comply with legislative drafting standards and conventions and do not conflict with existing laws. The bills will undergo final consideration by the working group after the ministry returns them.
The working group has urged stakeholders to support the proposed transition, saying it is intended to improve public safety.
“The Working Group urges all stakeholders to support a smooth transition to a dual policing system that makes Nigerians safer,” the statement said.
Although the constitutional threshold has been met, the next stages will determine the final legal framework, including how federal and state police services will operate and how the proposed system will be implemented.
