In a landmark milestone for Nigeria’s security framework and federal structure, the National Assembly confirmed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, that 28 State Houses of Assembly have voted in favor of the constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police.
​The announcement was made during an official briefing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
​Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, any proposed constitutional alteration requires approval by a two-thirds majority of the 36 State Houses of Assembly (24 states). With 28 states ratifying the bill, the proposal has surpassed the mandatory requirement by four states.
​The legislation, formally titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, was originally transmitted to the 36 state legislatures on September 16, 2026, with an initial 30-day window given to submit their resolutions.
​”Following the receipt and verification of the reports, the Office confirms that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the Bill. This represents more than the constitutionally prescribed threshold of not less than two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, equivalent to 24 States, as required under Section 9 of the Constitution,” stated Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana.
​The Office of the Clerk confirmed that administrative verification of the reports and accompanying votes and proceedings from the state legislatures has been completed to verify their authenticity.
​Ogunlana addressed procedural details regarding the legislative workflow, clarifying that Section 9 of the Constitution does not mandate a third reading for a Constitution Alteration Bill following state concurrence.
Consequently, the National Assembly is executing administrative steps under the Acts Authentication Act, CAP A2, (LFN) 2004, to transmit the ratified bill directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for executive assent.
​If signed into law, the amendment will decentralise Nigeria’s policing system, establishing state-controlled police forces alongside the existing federal police structure. Proponents view the law as a critical legislative response to persistent sub-national security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, and regional insurgency.
​The National Assembly expressed appreciation to the state legislatures for their swift cooperation, describing the high vote of concurrence as a historic moment for public safety and federalism in Nigeria.
