The National Assembly is set to transmit the proposed State Police Bill to President Bola Tinubu for assent following the approval of the constitutional amendment by 28 State Houses of Assembly.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the number of approving state legislatures had exceeded the constitutionally required threshold of 24 states.

Ogunlana said his office had completed the administrative verification of the reports, votes and proceedings submitted by the state legislatures to establish their authenticity.

He explained that the necessary administrative processes were underway to facilitate the transmission of the bill to President Tinubu for assent in line with the Acts Authentication Act.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and related matters.

The development represents a significant step towards decentralising Nigeria’s policing system amid growing concerns over insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and communal violence.

According to the clerk, Section 9 of the Constitution requires approval by not less than two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, representing at least 24 states, for a constitutional amendment of this nature.

He noted that the 28 approvals secured had surpassed the required threshold.

Ogunlana also clarified that Section 9 of the Constitution does not expressly require a third reading for a Constitution Alteration Bill, unlike the procedure for ordinary bills.

Although the October 15 deadline for the submission of approvals had elapsed, he said his office would continue to receive reports from state legislatures until the bill is transmitted for presidential assent.

The proposed State Police system is expected to give state governments greater responsibility in addressing security threats within their respective jurisdictions, subject to the provisions of the amended Constitution.