Nigeria's House Approves State Police Constitutional Amendment

On Thursday, 311 members of Nigeria's House of Representatives—276 physically and 35 virtually—voted to pass the Constitution Alteration Bill establishing State Police Services, meeting the two‑thirds majority required for constitutional change. The bill, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, was championed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who described it as a major security reform aimed at decentralising policing, improving intelligence gathering and bringing police closer to communities.

During the plenary, members of the minority caucus staged a walkout, arguing that the amendment process was rushed and not fully compliant with constitutional procedures. If the bill is subsequently approved by the Senate, ratified by at least two‑thirds of the state assemblies, and receives presidential assent, it will create a constitutional basis for state‑run police forces alongside the federal Nigeria Police Force.

The legislation is part of ongoing efforts to address persistent insecurity across the country by giving states greater authority to respond to local security challenges.