House of Representatives rescinds state police bill and reviews Tinubu proposal

Nigeria's House of Representatives has rescinded its own version of a state police bill to prioritize a new executive proposal sent by President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant legislative shift aimed at creating a constitutional framework for state-level policing. The decision, taken during a plenary session on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, effectively withdraws the chamber's earlier approval of a similar bill passed on June 11 and dissolves a special committee formed to reconcile differences with the Senate.

The move followed the reading of a letter from President Tinubu, who formally transmitted the "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026" to the House. In his correspondence, Tinubu described the legislation as a critical component of his administration's strategy to reorganize the country's security architecture and better protect citizens. He stated the bill builds upon previous legislative work by the House and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure a dual policing structure involving both federal and state governments can be implemented quickly and effectively.

House officials explained the reversal was a procedural step to...