Houses Of Assembly Set To Receive Bill On State Police – Chairman Conference Of Speakers

By Ayodele Oni 

As Houses of Assembly await the bill on state police, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislature in Nigeria has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the Senate, as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

It observed that the development marks a significant milestone in the national conversation on policing, security, and true federalism in Nigeria.

State houses of Assembly are expected to ratify the constitutional amendment, as

the bill alters the structure of the 1999 Constitution, it must be approved by at least two-thirds (24 out of the 36) of the state Houses of Assembly. 

This step follows the bill’s passage by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Once the constitutional amendment is ratified, no state police can begin operations unless that state’s House of Assembly passes an enabling law establishing its own State Police Service. 

This law must align with the national minimum standards set by the National Assembly.

In a statement, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who is also chairman conference of Speakers, disclosed that the 36 State Houses of Assembly, had earlier indicated their support for the proposed legislation, because they believed that community based policing, properly structured under law, would enhance safety and response time across our states.

The Chairman described Security as locally based, adding that the people deserved a policing architecture that understands their terrain and challenges.

He noted that with the Bill now proceeding to the next legislative stage, the State Assemblies would give it diligent consideration in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Conference commended the Senate for the bold step and urged all stakeholders to sustain the conversation with facts, patriotism, and a shared commitment to a safer Nigeria.

The Chairman made it clear that the Conference of Speakers remains committed to working with the National Assembly, the Executive, and all arms of government to deliver a constitutional amendment that would strengthen democracy and governance at all levels.