Nigeria’s National Assembly Transmits State Police Bill to President Tinubu

The National Assembly has taken a significant step towards the creation of state police in Nigeria by transmitting the State Police Bill, 2026 to President Bola Tinubu for his assent, according to multiple reports. The bill, which aims to decentralise the nation’s policing architecture, has been under discussion for several months.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, announced during plenary on Wednesday that the bill would be transmitted to President Tinubu on the same day, according to reports by Tribune Online. The Senate, in a separate development, set a November 15 deadline for six state assemblies yet to approve the bill, warning that failure to respond will be seen as withdrawal of support, as reported by Punch Newspapers.

The State Police Bill seeks to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of state police forces, a move aimed at addressing widespread insecurity across the country. The bill has been a subject of debate among Nigerians, with some advocating for its passage while others express concerns about its potential impact on federalism and the central government’s control over national security.

The Senate’s deadline for the six state assemblies comes after the bill was approved by the House of Representatives in July. If approved by the President, the bill will pave the way for the creation of state police forces, a move that could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s security landscape.