The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill that paves the way for the establishment of state police across Nigeria. This is a major step in the ongoing conversation about decentralising the country’s policing system to better tackle security challenges.

The bill, officially titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police; and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026,” received overwhelming support—288 votes in favour and only four against.

Here is what the proposed amendment does:

• Change Section 214 of the Constitution to clearly distinguish between Federal Police and State Police.
• Gives the National Assembly the power to define the structures and operations of both forces.
• Stipulates that state police operations will only begin after state legislation is passed, and that legislation must meet national standards.
• Limits federal interference—Federal Police can only operate in states under specific conditions.
• Changes how police leadership is appointed, empowering governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police, subject to oversight from the National Police Council.

Before it becomes law, the bill still needs approval from the Senate and agreement from two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly. After that, it requires presidential assent.