Delta and Taraba States Approve Nigeria State Police Bill
Delta and Taraba state legislatures unanimously approved a constitutional amendment to establish state police services as the federal government finalizes a dual policing legislative framework.
The Delta State and Taraba State Houses of Assembly unanimously approved the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, on October 20, 2026. This legislative move seeks to establish state police services to improve intelligence gathering, curb criminal activities, and enhance public safety. In Delta State, all 23 members voted in favor of the bill, which Speaker Emomotimi Guwor noted would align with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's MORE Agenda.
These state-level approvals follow the bill's passage by the Nigerian Senate on June 24 and the House of Representatives on July 23, 2026. While the state legislatures have directed their clerks to communicate these approvals to the National Assembly, further federal action is required before the system is officially implemented.
Parallel to these state actions, the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill submitted a draft National Policing Bill and 29 consequential amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice on October 19, 2026. This proposed framework establishes a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. The Ministry of Justice is reviewing the drafts for legal conflicts and legislative standards, with a deadline of October 30, 2026. Once validated and approved by the President, these bills will be transmitted to the National Assembly.
