The Plateau State House of Assembly has endorsed the recommendations of its Ad-hoc Committee on the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police in Nigeria.
The resolution followed the presentation of the committee’s report by its chairman, Professor Theodore Maiyaki, who represents Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel.
While presenting the report, Maiyaki explained that the proposed amendment was necessary to address the country’s security challenges, tackle manpower shortages in the Nigeria Police Force and improve policing at the community level.
The proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was forwarded to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, for consideration and approval.
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Maiyaki noted that the bill seeks to provide a constitutional basis for the establishment of both Federal and State Police Services, with provisions to ensure the protection of human rights, maintain operational standards, promote accountability and facilitate coordination between the services.
He said the committee considered the proposal appropriate in view of the need to strengthen the country’s security framework and enhance the capacity of authorities to respond effectively to threats within communities.
According to him, security is fundamental to the socioeconomic development of Plateau State and the country at large.
He therefore urged the House to support the proposed constitutional amendment in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions.
Following deliberations, members of the Assembly adopted the committee’s recommendations and voted in favour of the proposed amendment.
The Speaker commended the committee for its efforts, noting that lawmakers had shown dedication to addressing issues affecting the security and development of the state.
Daniel also expressed appreciation to members for their patience, commitment and sacrifices in considering the legislative proposal.
The proposed constitutional alteration requires the endorsement of at least 24 out of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly before it can advance to the next stage of the constitutional amendment process.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to decentralise policing and improve security responses across the country.
However, its implementation remains subject to the completion of the constitutionally required process.
Other Bills
Meanwhile, the House considered two other bills, which passed first reading during the plenary.
A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Philip Eplong, identified the bills as the Plateau State Right of Patients and Medical Institutions Bill and the Plateau State Bill on Jungle Justice, Mob Action and Other Forms of Unlawful Violence Against Persons.
The statement noted that both bills would progress to subsequent stages of legislative consideration in line with the rules of the House.
The Assembly also resolved to proceed on recess from Monday, October 19, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Explaining the decision, Speaker Daniel said the break would allow lawmakers to rest and prepare for upcoming legislative responsibilities.
He further acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of members, supporting staff and other personnel in the discharge of their duties to Plateau State.
The Speaker observed that the Assembly had continued to carry out its legislative functions beyond the period originally scheduled for recess to ensure that its responsibilities were fulfilled.
