Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Executive Bill seeking to establish state police, marking a major step toward restructuring the country’s security system.
The decision followed the withdrawal of the House’s earlier constitutional amendment on the same issue.
A total of 311 lawmakers voted in support of the bill, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen confirming that 35 members participated virtually while 276 were physically present.
The bill was passed after lawmakers adopted the report of the Constitution Review Committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Titled “Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to provide for the Establishment of State Police Services and for Related Matters (HB. 2797),” the legislation seeks to create a legal framework for state-controlled policing.
The bill was transmitted to the House last week by President Bola Tinubu, who said it builds on existing legislative efforts and introduces safeguards for a dual policing system.
According to the President, the move is part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and address growing security challenges nationwide.
Following the passage, the House rescinded its June 11, 2026, resolution on state police and dissolved its previously constituted 12-member conference committee.
If fully enacted, the bill would allow states to establish and manage their own police forces alongside the federal police system.
