National Assembly Sends State Police Bill to 36 Assemblies, Gives 30-Day Administrative Timeline

By Adebola Muili

The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of State Police Services to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval.

The Bill was transmitted on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, with the state legislatures expected to communicate their resolutions within 30 days of receiving the proposed amendment.

Ogunlana, however, clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative timeframe and does not constitute a constitutional deadline for the State Houses of Assembly.

The Clerk said the National Assembly recognised the constitutional responsibility and independence of the State Houses of Assembly in considering proposed amendments to the Constitution.

He said the transmission was part of the constitutional process required to secure the approval of the state legislatures before the proposed amendment can be concluded.

Under the Constitution, an amendment bill must be approved by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to the final stages of the constitutional alteration process.

Consequently, at least 24 State Houses of Assembly must approve the State Police proposal to meet the constitutionally prescribed threshold at the state level.

The proposed establishment of State Police Services is part of broader efforts to strengthen policing and address security challenges across the country.

The Bill had earlier been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, paving the way for its transmission to the State Houses of Assembly for consideration.

The National Assembly will proceed with the next steps after receiving the resolutions of the State Assemblies, while reaffirming its commitment to due process, institutional cooperation and strict compliance with the Constitution.