From Premium Times Nigeria · Manasseh Mbachii · · 3m
Kwara and 12 North Central states back state policing bill
13 North Central states approve constitutional amendment for state police.
In brief
13 North Central states approve constitutional amendment for state police. 13 North Central states have approved a constitutional amendment to establish state police, but the bill still needs approval from 24 states to pass. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
State police bill approval
Kwara and 12 other North Central states have approved the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police, bringing the number of supporting state assemblies to 13.
Other states backing the bill
Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Ogun, Delta, and Cross River also approved the bill, with Enugu following.
Constitutional amendment requirements
The amendment requires approval by at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, representing 24 states, before presidential assent.
Current approval status
With 13 assemblies reportedly having approved the proposal, the amendment remains short of the required threshold of 24 states.
Senate and House of Representatives approval
The Senate passed the amendment on 24 June, and the House of Representatives on 23 July, before it was transmitted to state assemblies on 16 September 2026.
Plateau state approval
Plateau lawmakers adopted an ad hoc committee’s recommendations on the proposed constitutional amendment after plenary session presided over by Speaker Naanlong Daniel.
Nasarawa state approval
Nasarawa State House of Assembly approved the proposed amendment, joining other state legislatures backing the establishment of state police.
Taraba state approval
Taraba lawmakers unanimously approved the proposal, with Speaker John Bonzena stating the system could curb criminal activities, create employment, and improve security agency collaboration.
Ogun state approval
Ogun lawmakers adopted the report of an ad hoc committee on constitutional review and approved the relevant clauses by voice vote.
Cross River state approval
Cross River State House of Assembly approved the bill with all 22 members present voting in favor, with Speaker Elvert Ayambem emphasizing rule of law, accountability, and democratic principles.
Delta state approval
Delta State House of Assembly approved the amendment with all 23 members present voting in support, with Speaker Emomotimi Guwor directing communication to the National Assembly.
Enugu state approval
Enugu lawmakers passed a resolution backing the proposal, with Speaker Uche Ugwu announcing the decision.
Presidential Working Group
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
The Presidential Working Group submitted the proposed National Policing Bill and 29 consequential amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice for review and validation.
Draft bill timeline
The ministry is expected to return the validated drafts to the working group by 30 October, after which the bills will undergo final consideration before presentation to President Tinubu.
The short version
13 North Central states have approved a constitutional amendment to establish state police, but the bill still needs approval from 24 states to pass.
