By Palang Paul
The House of Representatives has withdrawn its proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across Nigeria.
The lawmakers took the decision on Tuesday 14th July 2026 during plenary in Abuja after advancing a separate state police bill sponsored by the Executive.
The Executive-backed bill passed first and second readings before it was referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.
The development effectively puts the House’s earlier state police proposal on hold as lawmakers shift attention to the version presented by the Executive.
The committee is expected to scrutinise key provisions of the bill and make recommendations as the proposed amendment progresses through the National Assembly.
The move comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and lawmakers to establish a decentralised policing structure in response to Nigeria’s security challenges.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill to develop a legal framework for the implementation of state police.
Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, inaugurated the panel at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The development followed the Senate’s passage of the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, which proposes a dual policing system comprising the Federal Police Service and 36 State Police Services.
The President said the constitutional amendment would provide the foundation for state police, while the National Policing Bill would establish the legal framework for its operation.
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