By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment and operation of State Police Services across the country.
The Bill was passed at plenary after clause-by-clause consideration by the lawmakers, with the sitting presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.
The consideration followed the reading of a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, transmitting the Bill to the Oyo Assembly for consideration and approval.
The National Assembly stated that the Bill was passed by the Senate on June 24, 2026, and the House of Representatives on July 23, 2026, and urged state legislatures to give it expeditious consideration to facilitate the conclusion of the constitutional alteration process under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said 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.
Explaining the Bill to members on Tuesday, the Speaker said the proposed amendment would fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture by providing for a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services.
He said 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.
According to him, State Police would be responsible for the enforcement of state laws, public safety and order, prevention and detection of offences, protection of life and property, and other local policing functions prescribed by state law.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin explained that the proposed framework would also establish State Police Service Commissions with responsibilities covering the appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, oversight, complaints and accountability of state police personnel.
He noted that the Bill provides for a State Commander of Police to head each State Police Service, with the Commander to be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
The Speaker also highlighted provisions empowering the National Assembly to prescribe minimum policing standards for both federal and state police services, while allowing states to prescribe higher or additional standards.
