By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has approved a proposed constitutional amendment to pave the way for the establishment of state police services across Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening security and improving responses to emerging threats.
The lawmakers endorsed the *Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026*, during plenary on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following consideration of a report presented by the House Committee on Inter-Governmental, Political and Special Matters.
Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Hon. Emem Udom, explained that the bill was transmitted to the Assembly by the Clerk of the National Assembly for consideration in line with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He said the proposed legislation seeks to establish state police services while retaining the Federal Police Service and its responsibilities within federal jurisdiction.
The committee identified several potential benefits of decentralised policing, including improved community-based intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration between security agencies and residents, faster responses to security threats, enhanced crime prevention and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths. It also emphasised that the proposed framework would provide for cooperation, information sharing and mutual assistance between federal and state police services without undermining their respective constitutional responsibilities.
After examining the bill, the committee recommended its approval in its original form. The House subsequently resolved into the Committee of the Whole, considered the report clause by clause and adopted the recommendations. The motion for adoption was moved by the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, and seconded by the member representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung.
With the approval, Akwa Ibom has joined six other state assemblies reported to have endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment, advancing the legislative process required for its consideration. Following the decision, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok, to formally communicate the Assembly’s position to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The proposed amendment is part of broader efforts to review Nigeria’s policing structure and develop a decentralised security system capable of addressing the country’s diverse security challenges. However, the establishment of state police will depend on the completion of the constitutionally required amendment process.
Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary until Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
