The development comes amid growing calls from stakeholders for the decentralisation of policing in response to persistent security challenges
By Onwuka Mmesoma
The House of Representatives has rescinded its earlier resolution on a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police and approved a revised Executive Bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu for second reading.
The decision was reached during plenary following the adoption of a motion moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Francis Waive (APC, Delta), who invoked the provisions of the House Standing Orders to seek a reconsideration of the earlier legislative action.
Waive recalled that the House had on June 11 passed constitutional amendment proposals relating to the establishment of State Police Services and subsequently constituted a 12 member Conference Committee on July 9 to harmonise the positions of both chambers of the National Assembly.
According to him, emerging developments regarding the contents of the proposed legislation necessitated a review of the earlier decision. He explained that fresh facts had come to light concerning the provisions of the bill, making it imperative for lawmakers to revisit the proposal to ensure that it aligns with the country’s evolving security architecture and national security objectives.
Following a voice vote conducted by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, lawmakers unanimously agreed to rescind the earlier resolution and discontinue the conference process on the previous proposal.
The House thereafter considered and passed for second reading a fresh Executive Bill transmitted by President Tinubu, seeking to alter relevant sections of the Constitution to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the establishment and operation of State Police Services across the federation.
In a message read on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas, President Tinubu described the bill as a critical component of his administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen internal security mechanisms.
The President stated that the proposed legislation builds on previous legislative initiatives while introducing additional safeguards designed to ensure effective coordination between federal and state policing structures within a dual policing system.
He expressed confidence that the National Assembly would give the bill expedited consideration in the interest of national security, public safety and improved law enforcement across the country.
The development comes amid growing calls from stakeholders for the decentralisation of policing in response to persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts in various parts of the country.
The renewed push for state police also featured prominently during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, where government officials, lawmakers, development partners and civil society organisations emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the Executive and Legislature in advancing democratic governance and institutional reforms.
Observers say the passage of the Executive Bill for second reading marks a significant step in the ongoing constitutional amendment process and could shape the future of policing and security administration in Nigeria if eventually approved by the National Assembly and state legislatures.