Oyo Assembly okays state police bill

Oyo State House of Assembly. Photo: Channels TV

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 legislators, with the sitting presided over by the Speaker, Adebo 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 transmitted the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

With the passage, Oyo Assembly joined Osun, Edo and Rivers Houses of Assembly ahead of the 30-day window for the state legislators to consider the bill.

The PUNCH reports that the Senate had, on June 24, 2026, passed the bill while the House of Representatives passed it on July 23, 2026.

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Speaking during the sitting on Tuesday, 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, the Speaker said, “The proposed amendment would fundamentally 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.

“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.

“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.

“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,” he explained.