Nigeria’s House of Representatives has released the final draft of Constitution Alteration Bills, paving the way for a crucial vote on the proposed establishment of state police, according to a statement by the House spokesperson, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi.
The vote, scheduled for today’s plenary, forms part of a wider constitutional review covering governance, security, judiciary reforms and devolution of powers.
The state police proposal has emerged as one of the most contested elements in the ongoing amendment process, drawing extensive input from lawmakers, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and citizens during zonal and national public hearings.
If passed, the bill would create a constitutional framework for state-level policing, designed to operate alongside the federal police system. Lawmakers say it aims to strengthen security response through decentralisation, with clearer operational boundaries, oversight structures and shared responsibilities between federal and state authorities.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee, described the process as the outcome of months of consultations and bipartisan negotiations, adding that the reforms reflect “the aspirations, concerns, and recommendations expressed by Nigerians”.
The House is expected to proceed with voting if quorum requirements are met, with a possible deferment to the next legislative day should attendance fall short.
The development marks one of the most significant attempts in recent years to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture amid persistent concerns over rising insecurity and overstretched federal policing capacity.
