Osun and Edo assemblies approve Nigeria state police bill

Nigerian state legislatures have begun reviewing a constitutional amendment bill aimed at establishing state police services. The Osun State House of Assembly became the first to approve the proposal, followed by the Edo State House of Assembly, which also voted unanimously in support of the measure.

To successfully amend the 1999 Constitution, the bill requires the concurrence of at least two-thirds of the 36 state assemblies, totaling at least 24 states. Other states, including Zamfara and Sokoto, have commenced deliberations or are preparing to do so.

The National Assembly, through Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, clarified that only the State Police Services Bill has been transmitted to the states for consideration. This clarification addresses reports suggesting that a full package of constitutional alterations had been sent to the legislatures. The prioritization of the police bill is intended to address public concerns regarding national security and policing.