Only State Police Bill transmitted to states, National Assembly clarifies

The National Assembly has clarified that only one Constitution Alteration Bill has been transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, Kamoru Ogunlana. 

Ogunlana said the National Assembly had on September 16 announced the transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Sixth Alteration, Bill, 2026.

The Bill is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services; and for Related Matters.”

He said for the avoidance of doubt, it is only that particular Bill that has so far been transmitted to the State Assemblies for consideration and approval.

According to him, it is therefore incorrect to suggest or create the impression that all Constitution Alteration Bills before the National Assembly have been sent to the states.

The Clerk explained that priority was given to the State Police Bill in response to widespread public demands and the need to address security concerns.

He noted that the move is aimed at addressing policing challenges through an appropriate constitutional and legal framework.

Other Constitution Alteration Bills, he said, would be transmitted upon their passage in identical form by both chambers in line with the constitutional amendment process.

The National Assembly urged the public and media to rely on official communications for accurate information on the constitution review exercise.