The proposed state police received a major legislative boost on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, as the Oyo State House of Assembly passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
The Bill seeks to establish a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of State Police Services across Nigeria.
The legislation was passed during plenary following clause-by-clause consideration by lawmakers. The sitting was presided over by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.
State Police Bill Sent to Oyo Assembly for Approval
The consideration of the Bill followed the presentation of a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., transmitting the legislation to the Oyo Assembly for consideration and approval.
The National Assembly informed the state legislature that the Bill had already been passed by the Senate on June 24, 2026, and by the House of Representatives on July 23, 2026.
It subsequently urged state Houses of Assembly to give the proposed constitutional alteration expeditious consideration to facilitate completion of the amendment process under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking during the plenary, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin said the passage of the Bill would have significant implications for the Oyo Assembly.
He noted that the state would need to develop a comprehensive law to translate the proposed constitutional framework into an effective operational institution.
According to the Speaker, the proposed amendment would fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture by providing for both a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
Under the proposed framework, each state would be empowered to establish its own Police Service through legislation enacted by its House of Assembly.
The legislation would also define the respective responsibilities of federal and state police authorities.
The Speaker explained that State Police would be responsible for several local policing functions.
These would include enforcement of state laws, maintenance of public safety and order, prevention and detection of offences, protection of lives and property and other policing functions prescribed by state legislation.
The proposed arrangement is designed to create a clearer division of responsibilities between federal and state policing authorities.
The Bill also provides for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions.
According to the Speaker, the commissions would have responsibilities relating to the appointment, promotion, transfer and discipline of State Police personnel.
They would also play roles in oversight, complaints handling and accountability within the state police system.
The proposed structure is intended to provide institutional mechanisms for managing State Police personnel and ensuring accountability.
The proposed constitutional framework also provides for a State Commander of Police to head each State Police Service.
Ogundoyin said the State Commander would be appointed by the Governor based on the recommendation of the National Police Council.
The appointment would also be subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
This provision establishes a defined appointment process involving the state executive, the National Police Council and the state legislature.
State Police to Operate Alongside Federal Police
Another key provision highlighted by the Speaker concerns policing standards.
The Bill would empower the National Assembly to prescribe minimum standards for both federal and state police services.
At the same time, individual states would be allowed to prescribe higher or additional standards within their jurisdictions.
The proposed framework therefore envisages a policing structure in which state police operate alongside the Federal Police Service, with constitutional provisions defining their respective roles and responsibilities.
Following the passage of the Bill by the Oyo Assembly, attention will turn to the remaining constitutional alteration process and the steps required to establish a State Police Service under any resulting constitutional framework.
For Oyo State, the Speaker’s comments indicate that further legislation would be required to create the institutional and operational framework for State Police if the constitutional amendment ultimately takes effect.
The development marks another step in the ongoing legislative process surrounding the proposed restructuring of Nigeria’s policing architecture.
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