The Plateau State House of Assembly has adopted the recommendations of its Ad-hoc Committee on the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police in Nigeria.
The decision was taken during Monday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel.
The proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, for consideration and approval.
The proposal seeks to amend the Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services alongside the Federal Police Service as part of efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
Presenting the Committee’s report, its Chairman and Member representing Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, said the proposed constitutional alteration was necessary in view of prevailing security challenges, the shortage of manpower in the Nigeria Police Force and the need to strengthen local policing arrangements.
He explained that the proposal seeks to establish a constitutional framework for Federal and State Police Services, with appropriate safeguards for human rights, operational standards, accountability and coordination. The committee observed that the proposed amendment was timely, considering the need to strengthen security and improve responses to threats within communities.
The Committee further noted that security remains critical to the socioeconomic development of Plateau State and other parts of the country.
It therefore recommended that the House support the proposed constitutional alteration in line with the relevant legislative requirements.
Following deliberations, the House adopted the Committee’s recommendations and voted in support of the proposed constitutional amendment.
The Speaker commended the committee for its work and appreciated members for their patience, commitment and sacrifice in considering the important legislative matter.
The constitutional amendment process requires approval by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before the proposed alteration can proceed to the next stage.
The proposal is part of wider efforts to decentralise policing in response to persistent security challenges, although its implementation will depend on the completion of the constitutional process.
Also during plenary, two bills passed first reading: 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.
The bills will proceed through the legislative process in accordance with the rules of the House.
The House subsequently resolved to proceed on recess from Monday, October 19, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to enable members to rest and prepare for the legislative tasks ahead.
The Speaker appreciated members, supporting staff and other personnel for their sacrifices, patience and dedication to the service of Plateau State.
He noted that the Assembly had continued its legislative responsibilities beyond the period initially scheduled for recess in order to attend to its duties. The House is expected to resume plenary on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
