NA clarifies only State Police Bill sent to 36 states for consideration
The National Assembly has transmitted only the Constitution Alteration Bill for State Police to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, clarifying that no other alteration bills have been sent yet. Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, issued the statement on Tuesday, stating the bill titled "A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services; and for Related Matters" was announced for transmission on September 16. Ogunlana said the priority reflects widespread public demand for improved security and the need to address policing challenges through a constitutional framework. He emphasized that other Constitution Alteration Bills will be forwarded to the states only after they are passed in identical form by both the Senate and House of Representatives, following the formal amendment process. The NA urged the public and media to rely on official communications for accurate information on the constitution review exercise, countering suggestions that all pending bills had already been dispatched. The State Police Bill seeks to allow states to establish their own police commands, a move that could reshape Nigeria’s security architecture if approved by state legislatures and ultimately ratified by a two‑thirds majority of the State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly.