Reps Pass Executive Bill Establishing State Police

Amarachi Ihesiulo

July 24, 2026
3 min read
state police

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Executive Bill seeking to establish state police, marking a major step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing system.

The approval followed a decisive vote at plenary, where 311 lawmakers backed the bill. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen disclosed that 276 members voted physically, while 35 participated virtually in support of the proposal.

The passage came after the green chamber withdrew its earlier constitutional amendment bill on state police, opting instead to adopt the Executive Bill transmitted by the Presidency.

The development followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, which recommended the bill’s approval.

With the latest move, the House has aligned with growing calls for state policing as a strategy to address persistent security challenges across the country, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.

Lawmakers have repeatedly argued that a centralised policing structure is overstretched and insufficient to effectively respond to local security threats, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The proposed state police system is expected to enhance community-level intelligence gathering and improve rapid response to crime.

The Executive Bill is designed to provide a legal and institutional framework for the creation, funding, and operation of state-controlled police forces, while also outlining oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.

Although details of the final provisions are yet to be fully outlined publicly, the bill is expected to address concerns around jurisdiction, coordination with federal security agencies, and safeguards against political misuse by state authorities.

The decision to prioritise the Executive Bill over the House’s earlier proposal signals a coordinated approach between the legislature and the executive arm on a long-debated reform of Nigeria’s security architecture.

The issue of state police has remained contentious for years, with proponents arguing it would bring policing closer to the people, while critics have raised concerns about potential politicisation and misuse by state governments.

Thursday’s passage represents a significant legislative milestone, but the process is not yet complete. As a constitutional matter, the proposal will require concurrence by the Senate and approval by state Houses of Assembly before it can be fully implemented.

Observers say the move could reshape Nigeria’s security framework if successfully implemented, offering states greater responsibility in maintaining law and order within their jurisdictions.

For now, the House’s approval signals strong legislative backing for a reform widely seen as critical to tackling Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges.

Reps Pass Executive Bill Establishing State Police

Amarachi Ihesiulo

Amarachi Ihesiulo

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