State Police: Oyo Assembly Passes Sixth Alteration Bill

The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services across the country.

The bill was passed on Tuesday after clause-by-clause consideration during plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin.

The consideration followed a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, transmitting the bill to the Oyo Assembly for consideration and approval.

The Senate passed the bill on June 24, 2026, while the House of Representatives approved it on July 23, 2026.

The National Assembly subsequently urged state legislatures to consider the bill expeditiously to facilitate the completion of the constitutional alteration process under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking during the sitting, Ogundoyin said the passage of the bill would have significant implications for the Oyo Assembly, particularly the need to develop legislation to establish and regulate the proposed State Police Service.

“The passage of the bill would have significant legislative implications for the Oyo Assembly, particularly the need to develop a comprehensive State Police Law capable of translating the constitutional framework into an effective operational institution,” he said.

Explaining the proposed amendment to lawmakers, the Speaker said it would restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture by providing for a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services.

“The bill would empower each state to establish its own Police Service through legislation by the State House of Assembly, while defining the respective responsibilities of federal and state police authorities,” Ogundoyin said.

He said State Police would be responsible for enforcing state laws, maintaining public safety and order, preventing and detecting offences, protecting lives and property, and carrying out other local policing functions prescribed by state law.

The proposed amendment would also provide for State Police Service Commissions to oversee the appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, complaints and accountability of state police personnel.

According to Ogundoyin, each State Police Service would be headed by a State Commander of Police.

The commander would be appointed by the state governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

The passage by the Oyo Assembly forms part of the process required for the proposed constitutional amendment to take effect.

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