The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.
The Bill passed at Tuesday’s plenary after the lawmakers’ clause-by-clause consideration.
The consideration followed the reading of a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, transmitting the Bill to the Oyo State Assembly for consideration and approval.
The National Assembly (NASS) stated that the Senate passed the Bill on June 24, while the House of Representatives did on July 23.
NASS urged state legislatures to give it expeditious consideration to facilitate the conclusion of the constitutional alteration process under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, said the passage would have significant legislative implications for the state assembly.
He noted the need to particularly develop a comprehensive State Police Law capable of translating the constitutional framework into an effective operational institution.
Ogundoyin, while explaining the Bill to members, said the proposed amendment would fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture by providing for a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services.
He said the Bill would empower each state to establish its own police service through legislation by the state House of Assembly, while defining the respective responsibilities of federal and state police authorities.
He said state police would enforce state law, public safety and order, prevent and detect offences, protect life and property, and other local policing functions prescribed by state law.
“The proposed framework will also establish State Police Service Commissions with responsibilities covering the appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, oversight, complaints and accountability of state police personnel,” he said.
He noted that the Bill provides for a State Commander of Police to head each State Police Service.
He explained that the state governor would appoint the state commander on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the state House of Assembly.
The speaker also highlighted provisions that empower the NASS to prescribe minimum policing standards for both federal and state police services, while allowing states to prescribe higher or additional standards.