Plateau State House of Assembly Adopts State Police Bill – See reasons given

The Plateau State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the establishment of State Police in Nigeria, adopting the recommendations of its Ad-hoc Committee on the proposed constitutional amendment aimed at decentralising the nation’s policing system.

In a statement by Philip Eplong, Press Secretary to the Speaker, he noted that the decision was reached during Monday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, following the presentation of a committee report highlighting the need for a more effective and responsive security architecture amid persistent security challenges across the country.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee and Member representing Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, said the proposed constitutional amendment had become necessary in view of the manpower shortage in the Nigeria Police Force and the need to strengthen security at the grassroots.

He explained that the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a constitutional framework for Federal and State Police Services, with appropriate safeguards for human rights, accountability, operational standards and effective coordination.

According to him, the proposed reform would provide an opportunity to improve local security responses while addressing threats peculiar to individual communities.

The committee further observed that security remained a critical factor in the socioeconomic development of Plateau State and the country at large. It consequently recommended that the House support the proposed constitutional alteration in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements.

Following deliberations, lawmakers adopted the committee’s recommendations and voted in favour of the proposed amendment, adding Plateau State to the state assemblies supporting the ongoing constitutional process.

The Speaker commended the committee for its diligent work and appreciated members for their patience, commitment and sacrifice in considering the important legislative matter.

The proposed amendment requires the approval of at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can advance to the next stage of the constitutional amendment process.