The House of Representatives Thursday passed the Constitution Alteration Bill providing for the establishment of State Police, as part of measures to tackle the deteriorating security situation in the country.
The Bill, which contains 18 clauses and amends Sections 214–216 and other relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), was read for the Third Time and subsequently passed by the House.
As a key component of the ongoing constitutional review process, it was prioritised for consideration and passage, while voting on other Constitution Alteration Bills was deferred.
Prior to the commencement of voting, attendance was verified and confirmed at 290 members, satisfying the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds quorum of the 360-member House.
With 289 members voting in favour, one voting against, and none abstaining, following confirmation of the constitutionally required quorum.
The decision represents a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture through a decentralised policing framework, with provisions for coordination, oversight, accountability, and the clear delineation of responsibilities between federal and subnational policing authorities, aimed at delivering more responsive and effective security services.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said security is the foundation upon which every other aspiration of nationhood rests.
According to him, By passing this Bill, the House has taken a decisive constitutional step towards creating a policing framework that is more responsive to local realities while remaining firmly anchored within the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.