House Drops Earlier State Police Bill, Advances Executive Version

The House of Representatives has withdrawn its version of the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police, clearing the way for consideration of the Executive-sponsored proposal transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The decision was taken during Tuesday's plenary as lawmakers streamlined the legislative process on one of the country's most significant security reform proposals.

Following the withdrawal of the House's earlier bill, members proceeded to consider the Executive-sponsored Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026.

The bill successfully passed both first and second readings during plenary before being referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative consideration.

The development signals a shift in the National Assembly's approach to the proposed constitutional amendment, with lawmakers now focusing on the Executive's version of the legislation as the primary vehicle for creating state police services across the country.

President Tinubu had transmitted the bill to the House of Representatives as part of his administration's broader efforts to reform Nigeria's security architecture and provide constitutional backing for the establishment of state police.

According to the President, the proposed amendment seeks to create a constitutional framework for a dual policing structure capable of addressing the country's evolving security challenges while incorporating safeguards against abuse.

With the bill now before the House Committee on Constitutional Review, lawmakers are expected to commence detailed scrutiny of its provisions before it returns to the chamber for further legislative action as part of the constitutional amendment process.

Details Later....