The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, giving legislative backing to the proposed establishment and operation of State Police Services across Nigeria.
The Bill was passed on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, following clause by clause consideration at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.
The consideration followed a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, transmitting the Bill to the state legislature for consideration and approval. The National Assembly said the Senate passed the Bill on June 24, 2026, while the House of Representatives passed it on July 23, 2026, and urged state legislatures to act expeditiously to conclude the constitutional alteration process under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
Explaining the proposed amendment, Speaker Ogundoyin said it would restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture by providing for a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services. He said each state would be empowered to establish its own Police Service through legislation by the State House of Assembly, with responsibilities covering enforcement of state laws, public safety and order, crime prevention and detection, and protection of lives and property.
The proposed framework also provides for State Police Service Commissions responsible for appointments, promotions, transfers, discipline, oversight, complaints and accountability. Each State Police Service would be headed by a State Commander of Police, appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
Ogundoyin said the amendment would have significant implications for the Oyo Assembly, including the need to enact a comprehensive State Police Law to translate the constitutional framework into an operational institution. The National Assembly would also be empowered to prescribe minimum policing standards for both federal and state police services, while states could prescribe higher or additional standards.
