The House of Representatives has released the final print of the Constitution Alteration Bills, including provisions for the establishment of state police, ahead of their scheduled consideration and voting during today’s plenary session.
The development marks a major milestone in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), reflecting months of extensive legislative work by the House Committee on Constitution Review.
In a statement issued by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, the chamber noted that the bills were developed following the consideration of numerous proposals submitted by lawmakers, government institutions, professional bodies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and citizens nationwide.
The constitutional review process, according to the statement, included zonal and national public hearings, stakeholder consultations, expert engagements, and town hall meetings across the six geopolitical zones, aimed at ensuring broad-based public participation.
The proposed alterations cover key governance areas, including electoral and judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, inclusive governance and citizenship, legislative processes, devolution of powers, human rights, fiscal reforms, institutional strengthening, traditional institutions, and the creation of states and local governments.
A central feature of the bills is the proposal to establish a constitutional framework for state police, which has generated significant national debate and widespread stakeholder engagement.
The proposal seeks to enhance Nigeria’s security architecture by introducing a decentralized policing system, with clear operational guidelines, oversight structures, and defined responsibilities between federal and state authorities.
According to the statement, the inclusion of the state police framework reflects growing national consensus on the need for more locally responsive and effective approaches to tackling security challenges.
Commenting on the development, the Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the release of the final print as a defining moment in the reform process.
He said the proposals reflect broad consultations and bipartisan collaboration, noting that the state police initiative responds to long-standing calls for a more decentralized and effective policing system.
“As the House prepares to vote, we remain committed to strengthening democratic governance, deepening federalism, enhancing security, promoting inclusion, and building stronger institutions for national development,” he stated.
The House is expected to vote on the bills during today’s plenary, subject to the attainment of the constitutionally required quorum. If quorum is not met, consideration will be deferred to the next legislative day in line with constitutional provisions and House Standing Orders.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to an open, inclusive, and transparent constitution review process aimed at strengthening governance, promoting national unity, and responding to the evolving aspirations of Nigerians.
