Tinubu's State Police Bill Passes Early House Readings

The House of Representatives of Nigeria advanced a presidency-sponsored bill to establish state police services during a plenary session on July 14, 2026. Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing system involving both federal and state governments.

In a significant shift, the House withdrew its own separate constitutional amendment proposal for state policing to adopt the Executive-sponsored version. The bill passed its first and second readings before being referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for a detailed examination of its operational framework and safeguards.

This legislative movement follows the Senate of Nigeria's passage of a similar amendment two weeks prior. If the House passes the bill and it is endorsed by the required number of state Houses of Assembly, the measure will decentralize policing to address the nation's evolving security challenges and enhance public safety.