The Rivers State House of Assembly has backed a proposed constitutional amendment that could pave the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
The development came after the National Assembly forwarded the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to all 36 state legislatures for consideration.
By supporting the bill, the Rivers lawmakers have joined the ongoing constitutional process aimed at changing Nigeria’s policing framework and allowing states to have greater responsibility for policing within their territories.
The proposed amendment is expected to be considered by each state House of Assembly before the constitutional process can advance.
State policing has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s security debate, particularly amid concerns over the ability of the existing centralised policing structure to respond effectively to security challenges across the country.
Supporters of the proposal have argued that state-controlled police could bring law enforcement closer to local communities and improve the gathering of security intelligence.
At the same time, the proposal has generated concerns over the possibility of political influence, funding challenges and safeguards for the independence and effectiveness of state police formations.
The Rivers Assembly’s position now adds to the decisions expected from other state legislatures as they examine the constitutional amendment bill transmitted by the National Assembly.
Further proceedings on the bill are expected as the 36 state Houses of Assembly consider their positions.