On July 20, 2026,the House of Representatives has officially commenced the clause-by-clause consideration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Bill for the establishment of State Police. This critical legislative move aims to refine and harmonize the bill with the version already passed by the Senate, marking a significant step in the ongoing constitutional reforms to bolster Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
The House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is leading the process. During a special committee session held on Monday, Deputy Speaker Kalu emphasized that the House is prioritizing this legislation to ensure it meets the urgent security needs of the nation.
In his address to the committee, Deputy Speaker Kalu highlighted the collaborative synergy between the Executive and the Legislature. He noted that the House previously passed a similar Constitution Alteration Bill on June 11, but subsequently rescinded that decision on July 14 to prioritize the Executive Bill transmitted by President Tinubu.
We are joining hands with the Executive to ensure that this collaborative effort results in the successful passage of this priority constitutional amendment. Although we are three arms of government, we are one government. There is a national objective, and all we do is align ourselves with it.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
To expedite the legislative process, the House Committee is utilizing the Senate-passed version of the bill as its primary working draft. The Committee is currently reviewing approximately eight minor amendments introduced by the Senate, which will be integrated into the final document where applicable.
Key highlights of the current legislative status include:
Progress: The Executive Bill has successfully scaled first and second readings in the House.
Public Engagement: Extensive stakeholder engagement conducted during the National Assembly Open Week has satisfied all necessary public hearing requirements.
Refinements: The bill features crucial additions, including Section 318, which provides necessary interpretations and transitional/saving provisions to ensure a seamless implementation framework.
Deputy Speaker Kalu underscored President Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to decentralizing the policing system. “As Governor of Lagos State, he was among the earliest advocates of multi-layered policing as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. Today, as President, he is championing the same cause, demonstrating consistency between his convictions and his actions.”
The House of Representatives remains dedicated to ensuring that the final legislation reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people, with members working diligently to finalize the report for further legislative action. Both chambers of the National Assembly are working in close coordination to fast-track the amendment process, with expectations for a swift transition to presidential assent.
