House Approves State Police Creation With Overwhelming Majority

The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police, with 289 lawmakers voting in favor and one
against.

A total of 290 members were present, meeting the required two-thirds quorum of the 360-member chamber.

The bill, which amends Sections 214 to 216 of the 1999 Constitution, was read for the third time and approved during plenary as part of the ongoing constitutional review.

Speaker, Dr Abbas Tajudeen said the measure is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through a more decentralized policing system.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, said the vote reflects growing support for security sector reforms.

The proposed law provides for the establishment of state-controlled police forces with defined roles alongside federal authorities.

Other constitutional amendment bills are still under consideration.

Oduyemi Odumade