Senate sets Nov 15 deadline for states to approve State Police Bill
The Senate has given the remaining six State Houses of Assembly until November 15 to approve the State Police Bill, clearing the way for presidential assent. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced 30 states have already endorsed the constitutional amendment—exceeding the 24-state two-thirds threshold required for passage. Approving states include Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Kaduna, and 26 others across all geopolitical zones.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed for patience with the holdout states but secured unanimous agreement that any assembly failing to respond by the deadline will be deemed to have withheld approval. The bill would then proceed to President Tinubu for assent, potentially establishing state-level police forces nationwide.
This marks the furthest the state police debate has advanced since the 1999 Constitution. Proponents argue it addresses insecurity through localized policing; critics warn of potential abuse by state governors. The National Assembly's constitutional amendment process requires state legislature approval before presidential sign-off.
If your state hasn't approved yet, the next two weeks are the window to engage your representatives on where they stand.