Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The House of Representatives has signalled its intention to adopt the Senate-passed version of President Bola Tinubu's executive bill seeking to establish state police across the federation, a move aimed at fast-tracking the constitutional amendment process and strengthening Nigeria's internal security architecture. The House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, commenced clause-by-clause consideration of the bill on Monday, July 20, 2026, with lawmakers indicating that the Senate's version would serve as the primary working document.
Addressing members of the committee, Kalu disclosed that the House would leverage the work already done by the Senate to expedite passage of what he described as a priority constitutional amendment. "You may recall that on the 11th of June, before the recess, the House considered and passed the Police Constitution Alteration Bill," Kalu said. "However, following the introduction of an executive bill by the president, that decision was reversed by the House on the 14th of July to enable consideration of the executive bill coming from the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces." The reversal paved the way for lawmakers to consider President Tinubu's proposal, which the deputy speaker said was best positioned to address the country's evolving security challenges.
Kalu explained that the Executive Bill has already passed first and second readings in the House, while extensive stakeholder engagement held during the National Assembly Open Week effectively fulfilled the public hearing requirement for the legislation. "The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the Executive Bill clause by clause and make appropriate recommendations to the House," Kalu said. "We must note that the Senate has already considered and adopted the bill with certain amendments, and copies of that version have been circulated to members. This document will serve as our working draft throughout this exercise."
According to the deputy speaker, the Executive Bill is largely consistent with previous drafts already considered by the National Assembly, making it unlikely that the House would introduce significant changes. "On the clause-by-clause consideration, the Executive Bill is substantially similar to what we have previously worked on, with only minor adjustments. Therefore, we do not anticipate any major departure from the work already undertaken," he added. Kalu disclosed that the Senate introduced about eight minor clauses containing adjustments, which the House committee would examine and adopt where necessary. Key additions include Section 318, which addresses interpretation, transitional and saving provisions to facilitate the operationalisation of the state police framework.
The Senate version of the bill contains several notable amendments, including a provision subordinating a State Police Service to the Federal Police Service only for the duration of any constitutionally authorised federal intervention. The Senate also changed the title of the head of the State Police from Commissioner of Police to Commander of Police and restructured the composition of the National Police Council, with the President as Chairman alongside governors, presiding officers of the National Assembly and other key stakeholders. Another clause provides that the legality, scope, duration and conduct of any federal intervention in a state's police service shall be subject to judicial review, and that no intervention shall dissolve a State Police Service.
Kalu described the proposed state police legislation as one of President Tinubu's signature constitutional reform initiatives, noting that the president had consistently advocated for a multi-layered policing system since his tenure as governor of Lagos State. "As Governor of Lagos State, he was among the earliest advocates of multi-layered policing as a strategic solution to Nigeria's security challenges," Kalu said. "Today, as president, he is championing the same cause, demonstrating consistency between his convictions and his actions." The deputy speaker stressed that although the executive, legislature and judiciary are separate arms of government, they remain united in pursuing national priorities, particularly improving security across the country.
Lawmakers convened on Monday, outside the House's traditional Tuesday sitting schedule, because of the urgency attached to the legislation. "We are here today not because it is convenient for us. Our parliamentary week ordinarily begins on Tuesday, but duty calls, and time is of the essence," Kalu said. "We are joining hands with the Executive to ensure that this collaborative effort results in the successful passage of this priority constitutional amendment."
Barring any last-minute changes, the House Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review will lay its report during Tuesday's plenary, setting the stage for the bill's passage. Once passed by both chambers, the constitutional amendment will require approval by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to the president for assent. The development marks a significant step in the ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at decentralising Nigeria's policing system and addressing the country's persistent security challenges.
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