Nigerian House Passes State Police Bill

The Nigerian House of Representatives advanced Tinubu’s constitutional alteration bill to establish state police services, passing the measure after clause-by-clause consideration and a two-thirds majority. The executive bill, transmitted by President Tinubu, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to formalize state police as part of strengthening security and community policing across the country. The passage triggered protests from the Minority Caucus, who staged walkouts and criticized the process as violating constitutional provisions and Standing Orders, including alleged breaches of Section 9(2) governing constitutional amendments. Official tallies indicated 311 lawmakers participated, with a mix of in-person and some virtual votes, as lawmakers debated and ultimately approved the proposal to proceed to states for concurrence. Supporters framed the move as a landmark reform bringing policing closer to communities, improving intelligence and inter-agency coordination. The episode underscored tensions between the executive and opposition over due process in a high-stakes security measure.