The Osun State House of Assembly on Tuesday became the first state legislature in Nigeria to approve the proposed constitutional amendment for the creation of state police.
Lawmakers in Osogbo unanimously backed the bill during plenary after deliberations, marking an early milestone in the long-running push for decentralised policing.
The development came as the National Assembly clarified that only the State Police Services Bill had been sent to the 36 state Houses of Assembly. Other constitutional alteration proposals remain before the federal lawmakers and will be transmitted later.
In a statement signed by Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana, the legislature said reports suggesting the entire package of constitution amendment bills had been forwarded were incorrect.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is only this particular Constitution Alteration Bill that has so far been transmitted to the state Houses of Assembly,” Ogunlana stated. “It is therefore incorrect to suggest or create the impression that all the Constitution Alteration Bills before the National Assembly have been transmitted to the states.”
The bill, formally titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeks to alter the constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and related matters. It was transmitted on September 16, 2026.
Ogunlana explained that the decision to prioritise the state police bill responded to widespread public concerns over insecurity and the need for a more effective policing framework. Remaining bills will only be sent to the states once both chambers of the National Assembly pass them in identical form.
In Osun, Speaker Adewale Egbedun read a letter from the National Assembly requesting state assemblies to deliberate on and approve the proposal. Several lawmakers spoke in support.
Lawrence Adeoti (Ife South) and Taofeek Olayiwola (Ede South) argued that state police would improve security nationwide. Adewumi Adeyemi (Obokun) and Jeremiah Awoyeye (Ife Central) described the move as timely, saying it would strengthen security at state and local government levels and allow faster responses to local threats.
Majority Leader Babajide Kofoworola (Ede North) moved the motion for approval, seconded by Tajudeen Adeyemi (Ifelodun). The House then unanimously endorsed the amendment.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, the bill requires approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly (a minimum of 24 states before the amendment process can advance further).
The Osun approval is the first formal endorsement by a state legislature since the bill’s transmission. Other assemblies are expected to begin consideration in the coming days and weeks.
The debate over state police has intensified in recent years amid persistent security challenges across the country. Supporters argue that a multi-layered policing system would improve intelligence gathering, community engagement and rapid response. Critics have raised concerns about potential abuse and the need for strong oversight mechanisms.
For now, Osun has taken the first step. The focus shifts to whether other states will follow suit and how quickly the required threshold of 24 approvals can be reached.