Reps Release Constitution Amendment Bills, To Vote On State Police Creation Today
The House of Representatives has unveiled the final version of the Constitution Amendment Bills, including a landmark proposal aimed at creating a constitutional foundation for state policing. The bills are scheduled for debate and voting during today’s plenary session.
This development represents a major step in the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
In a statement issued by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, the proposed amendments are the outcome of months of extensive legislative work carried out by the House Committee on Constitution Review. The process followed the submission and examination of numerous constitutional amendment proposals from lawmakers, government agencies, professional associations, civil society groups, traditional institutions, and citizens nationwide.
The review exercise featured broad stakeholder consultations through zonal and national public hearings, expert engagements, consultative meetings, and town hall sessions conducted across the country’s six geopolitical zones, allowing Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the reform process.
The amendment bills cover several key areas, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, citizenship and inclusive governance, legislative matters, devolution of powers, human rights, fiscal reforms, institutional strengthening, traditional institutions, and the creation of states and local governments.
Among the most prominent proposals is the bill seeking to establish a constitutional framework for state police. The initiative has generated significant national debate and attracted widespread participation from stakeholders across the federation during the review process.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure by introducing an additional tier of policing. It also provides constitutional safeguards, operational guidelines, accountability mechanisms, and a clear division of responsibilities between federal and state policing authorities.
According to the statement, consideration of the bill reflects a growing national agreement on the need for innovative, community-focused solutions to address evolving security challenges.
Reacting to the release of the final draft, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the moment as a significant milestone in the effort to build a more responsive and effective constitutional framework for Nigeria.
He stated that the final draft reflects months of consultations, detailed scrutiny, and bipartisan cooperation, adding that the proposals embody the aspirations, concerns, and recommendations expressed by Nigerians from all sectors of society.
Kalu emphasized that the state police proposal is particularly important because it responds to longstanding demands for a decentralized policing system capable of tackling emerging security threats more effectively across the country.
He further noted that as lawmakers prepare to vote on the bills, they remain committed to strengthening democratic governance, deepening federalism, promoting inclusion, enhancing security, and building institutions capable of supporting a modern and prosperous Nigeria.
The House is expected to deliberate and vote on the bills during today’s plenary session, provided the constitutionally required quorum is achieved.
If the necessary quorum is not met, debate and voting will be postponed until the next legislative sitting in line with constitutional provisions and the House Standing Orders.
The House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and inclusive constitutional review process, stressing that the proposed reforms are designed to strengthen democratic institutions, foster national unity, improve governance, encourage citizen participation, and address the changing needs and aspirations of Nigerians.