The House of Representatives has suspended work on its own State Police bill and shifted attention to a fresh constitutional amendment proposal submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision came during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers received the Executive-sponsored bill seeking to establish State Police Services across Nigeria. Moreover, the new proposal was given its first and second readings before being referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative work.
The State Police Bill has remained one of Nigeria’s most closely watched constitutional reforms. However, lawmakers have now chosen to discontinue work on their earlier version in favour of the President’s proposal.
The development followed the reading of a letter from President Tinubu by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary.
In the communication dated June 15, 2026, the President formally transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 to the House.
According to Tinubu, the proposed amendment is designed to create the legal foundation for State Police Services throughout the country.
He explained that the Executive bill builds on previous work already carried out by the National Assembly.
“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians.”
The President also expressed confidence that lawmakers would move swiftly on the legislation.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill.”
Shortly after the letter was read, the lawmaker representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, Francis Waive, presented a motion seeking to reverse the House’s earlier decision on the State Police amendment.
Waive reminded lawmakers that the House had previously passed its version of the constitutional amendment on June 11, 2026.
Furthermore, he noted that a 12-member Conference Committee had already been established on July 9 to harmonise differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
However, he informed members that fresh developments had emerged, making another review necessary.
According to him:
“New facts have emerged regarding the provisions of the Bill, which necessitate a critical review and reconsideration of its clauses to align with national security structure.”
Consequently, Waive requested that the House withdraw its earlier resolution and dissolve the conference committee.
The motion was adopted through a voice vote presided over by Speaker Abbas.
As a result, the House officially rescinded its previous decision and disbanded the committee responsible for harmonising the earlier proposal with the Senate.
Meanwhile, the Executive-sponsored legislation has now become the focus of legislative consideration.
Supporters believe the reform could improve security by allowing states to respond more effectively to local threats.
In addition, the proposal is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure amid growing concerns over crime and insecurity.
