Nigeria’s long-running debate over decentralised policing has moved closer to law, with 28 State Houses of Assembly approving the constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services.

The National Assembly confirmed the approvals on Tuesday, saying the figure surpasses the 24-state threshold required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the verified reports and legislative records have been received, with administrative processes now under way to transmit the bill to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

The bill, formally titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was transmitted to the 36 state assemblies on September 16. The assemblies had until October 15 to communicate their decisions.

Under Section 9(2), a constitutional amendment requires approval by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly—equivalent to 24 states. With 28 approvals, the proposal cleared the threshold by four states.

The amendment seeks to create a legal foundation for State Police Services to operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

The National Assembly says the next stage is transmission of the bill to President Tinubu under the Acts Authentication Act.

Once assented, the constitutional change would mark one of the most significant reforms to Nigeria’s policing structure since 1999.