The Plateau State House of Assembly has adopted the recommendations of its Ad-hoc Committee on the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria.
The decision was taken during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Naanlong Daniel, following the presentation of the committee’s report by its chairman, Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, who represents Qua’an-Pan South Constituency.
Presenting the report, Maiyaki said the proposed amendment had become necessary because of the security challenges facing the country, manpower shortages in the Nigeria Police Force and the need to strengthen community-level policing.
He explained that the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on 16 September 2026, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, for consideration and approval.
According to him, the bill seeks to establish a constitutional framework for federal and state police services, with safeguards for human rights, operational standards, accountability and coordination.
Maiyaki said the committee considered the proposal timely, given the need to improve security arrangements and strengthen responses to threats within communities.
He added that security remained critical to the socioeconomic development of Plateau State and other parts of the country.
The committee consequently recommended that the Assembly support the proposed constitutional alteration in line with the relevant legislative requirements.
Following deliberations, the lawmakers adopted the recommendations and voted in support of the proposed amendment.
Commending the committee, Speaker Daniel said the lawmakers had demonstrated commitment to addressing issues affecting the security and development of the state.
The proposed constitutional amendment requires approval by at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to the next stage of the constitutional amendment process.
The proposal is part of broader efforts to decentralise policing in response to persistent security challenges across the country.
However, its implementation will depend on the completion of the constitutionally prescribed process.
Meanwhile, the Assembly passed two bills through first reading during the plenary.
The bills are 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.
A statement signed by Philip Eplong, Press Secretary to the Speaker, said the bills would proceed to subsequent stages of the legislative process in accordance with the House rules.
The Assembly also resolved to proceed on recess from Monday, October 19, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Daniel said the recess would allow members to rest and prepare for upcoming legislative assignments.
He appreciated lawmakers, supporting staff and other personnel for their patience, sacrifices and dedication to the service of Plateau State.
The Speaker noted that the Assembly had continued its legislative responsibilities beyond the period initially scheduled for recess to attend to its duties.
