BREAKING: Reps Withdraw State Police Bill, Back Tinubu’s proposal

• The House of Representatives has suspended its own state police proposal and is now considering President Bola Tinubu’s constitutional amendment bill..

The House of Representatives has withdrawn its proposed constitutional amendment on the establishment of state police, opting instead to consider a similar bill submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

The decision was announced during Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers gave the Executive-sponsored Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 its first and second readings. The legislation was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for detailed examination.

By setting aside its earlier proposal, the House will now focus on the President’s version of the constitutional amendment, which seeks to provide the legal framework for creating and operating state police services across Nigeria.

The Executive bill is expected to undergo comprehensive scrutiny at the committee stage before it is returned to the House floor for debate and possible passage.

President Tinubu formally transmitted the bill to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, stating that the proposed amendment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through the establishment of state-controlled police services.

According to the President, the bill builds on previous legislative efforts by the House while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the effective operation of a dual policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.

“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services,” Tinubu said in his letter.

He explained that the proposed framework is designed to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges by creating a more responsive, efficient and locally driven policing structure.

The President noted that the legislation incorporates additional safeguards to ensure the successful implementation of a dual policing system capable of addressing the country’s growing security concerns while protecting the interests of all Nigerians.

Describing the proposal as a key pillar of his administration’s security reform agenda, Tinubu expressed confidence that lawmakers would give the bill accelerated consideration.

“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill,” he said.

He also urged lawmakers to expedite work on the legislation, stressing that the constitutional reforms are essential to improving public safety, strengthening law enforcement and enhancing national security across the country.