The proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria has advanced towards presidential assent following its approval by 24 State Houses of Assembly.
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill said the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, would be returned to the National Assembly for onward transmission to the President for assent, in accordance with Section 9 of the Constitution.
The approval by 24 state assemblies meets the constitutional requirement of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly for a constitutional amendment.
In a statement signed by its chairman and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Working Group commended the state assemblies for advancing the reform, which it described as being of national importance.
It also expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for passing the amendment in both chambers.
The Working Group disclosed that efforts to establish the proposed dual policing system remained on track, with the draft bills undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
According to the statement, the draft bills are expected to be returned on or before Friday, October 30, 2026, after which the Working Group will give them final consideration before presenting them to the President.
The group urged stakeholders to support a smooth transition to a dual policing system aimed at improving security and making Nigerians safer.
