The Plateau State House of Assembly has adopted the recommendations of its Ad-hoc Committee in support of the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police in Nigeria.
The decision was reached during Monday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, following deliberations on the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
The bill was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, for consideration and approval.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish State Police Services alongside the Federal Police Service as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges through decentralised policing.
Presenting the committee’s report, its chairman and member representing Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, said the proposed amendment had become necessary in view of prevailing security challenges, manpower shortages in the Nigeria Police Force and the need to strengthen local policing arrangements.
Maiyaki explained that the proposal would provide a constitutional framework for the operation of both federal and state police services, with appropriate safeguards for human rights, operational standards, accountability and coordination.
He noted that the proposed amendment was timely, given the need to improve security responses and strengthen the capacity of authorities to tackle threats within local communities.
The committee further observed that security remains a critical factor in the socioeconomic development of Plateau State and other parts of the country.
It consequently recommended that the Assembly support the proposed constitutional alteration in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements.
Following deliberations, lawmakers adopted the committee’s recommendations and voted in favour of the proposed amendment.
In his remarks, Speaker Naanlong Daniel commended the committee for its work and appreciated members for their patience, commitment and sacrifices in considering the important legislative matter.
The constitutional amendment process requires the approval of at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before the proposed alteration can advance to the next stage.
The development represents part of ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen responses to insecurity across the country. However, the establishment of State Police will depend on the successful completion of the constitutional amendment process.
Other Legislative Matters
During the same plenary session, the House passed two bills through first reading: the Plateau State Right of Patients and Medical Institutions Bill and the Plateau State Bill on Jungle Justice, Mob Action and Other Forms of Unlawful Violence Against Persons.
The bills are expected to proceed through the subsequent stages of the legislative process in accordance with the rules of the Assembly.
The House also resolved to proceed on recess from Monday, October 19, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to allow members to rest and prepare for upcoming legislative responsibilities.
Speaking on the recess, the Speaker appreciated lawmakers, supporting staff and other personnel for their dedication, patience and sacrifices in the service of Plateau State.
He noted that the Assembly had continued its legislative duties beyond the period initially scheduled for recess to ensure that its responsibilities were adequately discharged.
The Plateau State House of Assembly is expected to resume plenary on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.