28 State Assemblies Approve Police Amendment

The National Assembly says 28 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies have approved a constitutional amendment to allow states to establish police services, surpassing the 24-state threshold required for the change. The National Assembly Clerk, Kamoru Ogunlana, said administrative steps were underway to transmit the bill to President Bola Tinubu for assent. It has not yet been reported as transmitted, and presidential assent remains pending. Ogunlana said the amendment was sent to all 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration within 30 days. That period ended on October 15. He said his office would continue receiving reports from state legislatures until the bill is formally transmitted. The Clerk’s office also verified assembly reports and accompanying votes and proceedings, according to his statement. Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution requires approval from at least two-thirds of the state assemblies for a constitutional amendment, equivalent to 24 of the 36. Ogunlana said the provision does not expressly require a third reading for a constitutional alteration bill, unlike the procedure for ordinary legislation. The amendment would provide for State Police...