Lawmakers in Nigeria’s Kwara state approved a constitutional amendment on Oct. 20 that would permit state police services, adding another vote to a proposal requiring support from 24 state assemblies.
A statement from Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu’s office, carried by Punch and TheStar, said he directed the clerk to send Kwara’s decision to the National Assembly. The Cross River State Ministry of Information and Orientation said 22 of its 25 lawmakers supported the amendment that day; three were absent. The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation also reported an approval in Benue.
Anambra lawmakers had endorsed the proposal earlier. Under Section 9(2) of Nigeria’s Constitution, a constitutional amendment needs resolutions from at least 24 of the country’s 36 state assemblies.
The nationwide approval count remains unverified. Daily Trust counted 10 states as of Oct. 20, while The Guardian reported 13 early on Oct. 21. Punch separately reported that 21 Ekiti lawmakers present supported the bill on Oct. 21 but recommended a change to Section 317A(5). That vote is not included in a confirmed nationwide total.
Section 214 of the current Constitution establishes the Nigeria Police Force and prohibits another police force in any part of the country. Under the proposed framework, an assembly vote alone would not create a state service. Each state would have to pass a law and obtain certification that its service meets national minimum standards before it could operate.
Benue Majority Leader Peter Bemdoo Ipusu said state policing could help authorities respond more quickly to kidnapping, banditry and farmer-herder conflicts. In Cross River, Deputy Leader Davies Eta called for safeguards and respect for rights, while Speaker Elvert Ayambem emphasized accountability and the rule of law.
The State House said the presidential working group submitted a draft National Policing Bill and 29 related amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice on Oct. 19. Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, who chairs the group, said the legislation is intended to establish a legal basis for federal and state policing. The group expects the drafts back by Oct. 30 for final consideration before they go to President Bola Tinubu.
