The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for concurrence.
The transmission, which marks a critical stage in the constitutional amendment process, was effected on Tuesday, September 16, 2026.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, announced this in a statement titled “National Assembly Transmits Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to State Houses of Assembly for Consideration.”
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had passed the executive bill before proceeding on recess.
Two-Thirds Requirement
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a bill to alter the Constitution cannot become law unless it is approved by a resolution of not less than two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly.
This means at least 24 of the 36 states must concur.
Although the statement from the Clerk did not specifically mention state police, The Nation reports that the state police bill is the only constitutional alteration bill that has so far been passed by both chambers. Other alteration bills are still pending final legislative action.
30 Days Advisory Timeline
Ogunlana stated that the Clerk transmitted the bill pursuant to the directive of the leadership of the National Assembly and in accordance with Section 9 of the Constitution.
ALSO READ: State Police: Nigerians divided on operations
He explained that while the Constitution does not prescribe a specific timeframe for states to conclude deliberations on such bills, the National Assembly has advised that the process be completed within 30 days.
He said: “It is noted that the Constitution does not prescribe a specific period within which the State Houses of Assembly are required to communicate their resolutions. Nevertheless, in the interest of an orderly, coordinated and timely conclusion, the State Houses are expected to consider the Bill and communicate their resolutions within 30 days of receipt.”
He clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative expectation and not a constitutional deadline.
The National Assembly added that it respects the independence of the state legislatures and will await their resolutions before taking further constitutional steps.
