Ogun, Kwara Back State Police Proposal as Constitutional Reform Gains Momentum

Ogun and Kwara states have joined the growing list of states supporting the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, as efforts to decentralise the country's policing system gather momentum amid persistent security challenges.

While the Kwara State House of Assembly approved the proposed constitutional amendment on Tuesday, the Ogun Assembly passed a resolution supporting the consideration of the amendment to establish state police services.

The developments represent further progress in the national process to create a legal framework for state police to operate alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.

In Ogun State, lawmakers considered a report presented by the Ad-hoc Committee on Constitutional Review, chaired by former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo.

The committee examined 26 clauses and proposed amendments to different sections of the 1999 Constitution. Members voted in favour of the clauses before adopting the report as a resolution of the House.

The resolution received unanimous support through a voice vote, according to a report by The Guardian.

Speaker Oludaisi Elemide described the decision as historic, saying state police could strengthen security, protect lives and property, and support economic development.

The Speaker also directed that the resolution be sent to the National Assembly to formally communicate Ogun's support for the proposed reform.

In Kwara State, the House of Assembly approved the proposed constitutional amendment during Tuesday's plenary session.

The decision followed a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, which was read by Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

The House Leader, Mogaji Oba Abdulkadri, led the debate, highlighting the potential benefits of decentralised policing. Other lawmakers who contributed to the discussion said the proposal could bring police services closer to communities and improve the protection of lives and property.

Following the deliberations, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Ahmed Olayiwola, to communicate the House's decision to the National Assembly for further action, PUNCH reported.

The proposed reform is part of a wider constitutional amendment process intended to allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside a Federal Police Service.

The National Assembly transmitted the State Police Services amendment to all 36 state legislatures on September 16, 2026, after the Senate and House of Representatives passed the proposal.

Under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly must approve a constitutional amendment before it can proceed to the next stage.

Supporters believe state police could improve local intelligence gathering, speed up responses to emergencies and help address kidnapping, banditry and other security threats.

However, concerns remain about possible political abuse, funding, accountability and the need for effective safeguards to protect citizens' rights.

The approval of the proposal by a state legislature does not mean that state police have already become operational. The required constitutional and legislative procedures must first be completed.