Nigeria State Police Bill Advances

President Bola Tinubu transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the House of Representatives to establish state police, marking a major step in decentralizing Nigeria's policing. The House withdrew its own bill and adopted the executive version, passing it on July 23, 2026. The Senate had already passed its version. The Presidential Working Group, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, is developing a National Policing Bill to operationalize the framework, with a draft scheduled for presentation to Tinubu on September 3, 2026. The proposal has sparked debate, with the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress alleging procedural irregularities in the House vote and calling for a fresh process. Key figures like Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin have emphasized safeguards, including funding as a first-line charge and federal intervention powers. The amendment requires two-thirds approval in both chambers and ratification by at least 24 state assemblies.