The House of Representatives has withdrawn its proposed constitutional amendment on the establishment of state police and will instead consider a similar bill submitted by the Presidency.
The decision was announced during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers gave the Executive-sponsored State Police Bill its first and second readings before referring it to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative consideration.
With the move, the House has effectively suspended its earlier proposal and shifted its attention to the bill forwarded by President Bola Tinubu.
The Executive-backed legislation will now undergo detailed examination at the committee stage, where its provisions will be reviewed before it returns to the floor of the House for further debate and possible passage.
President Tinubu had transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 to the House, seeking constitutional approval for the creation of state police services across the country.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the President explained that the proposed amendment seeks to establish the legal framework for the creation, operation and regulation of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
According to Tinubu, the proposal builds on previous legislative work by the House while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the successful operation of a dual policing structure involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.
He stated that the proposed framework is intended to provide a more effective and responsive approach to tackling Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The President also described the bill as a major part of his administration’s security reform agenda, expressing confidence that lawmakers would give it prompt consideration and approval.
He urged members of the House to expedite the legislative process, stressing that the proposed constitutional amendment is crucial to improving public safety and strengthening the nation’s overall security architecture.
