Bayelsa Assembly: Approves State Police Constitutional Amendment

• The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has approved the proposed establishment of State Police Services.
• This approval aligns Bayelsa with the 23 other state legislatures, meeting the two-thirds majority required for the constitutional amendment to decentralize policing in Nigeria.
• The decision follows the National Assembly's passage and transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to all 36 states.
• The constitutional amendment aims to shift Nigeria from a centralized to a more decentralized policing system.
• The Bayelsa Assembly also initiated the first reading of two additional bills.

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has officially endorsed the proposed establishment of State Police Services, marking a significant development in Nigeria's ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture.

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has officially endorsed the proposed establishment of State Police Services, marking a significant development in Nigeria's ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture. This decision aligns Bayelsa with the 23 other state legislatures that have approved the constitutional amendment, thereby meeting the required two-thirds majority of State Houses of Assembly for the establishment of State Police Services.

This legislative move by the Bayelsa Assembly is a direct response to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which was previously passed by the National Assembly. Following its passage at the federal level, the Bill was subsequently transmitted to all 36 states for their individual consideration and ratification. The Bayelsa State House of Assembly's approval signifies a crucial step in the state-level legislative process for this far-reaching constitutional change. Additionally, the Bayelsa Assembly also commenced the first reading of two other bills, indicating a broader legislative agenda alongside the police reform.

The endorsement by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly underscores a nationwide push towards a more decentralized policing system in Nigeria. For decades, the country has operated under a centralized police force, a structure that many stakeholders believe has contributed to various security challenges. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to address these concerns by empowering states to establish and manage their own police services, thereby bringing law enforcement closer to the communities it serves.

This initiative represents a fundamental shift from the current federal policing model, which has often been criticized for its inability to effectively respond to localized security threats and its perceived detachment from state-specific contexts. The establishment of state police is envisioned to enhance community engagement, improve intelligence gathering, and foster a more responsive and accountable security apparatus tailored to the unique needs of each state. The Bayelsa Assembly's approval is a testament to the growing consensus among state governments regarding the necessity of this reform.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which forms the basis for this reform, is a comprehensive legislative package designed to amend the Nigerian Constitution to accommodate the creation of state police. Its passage by the National Assembly and subsequent transmission to the states for concurrence highlights the intricate constitutional process required to effect such a significant change in the nation's governance structure. Each state's approval is a vital component of this process, as constitutional amendments typically require the assent of a majority of state assemblies.

Once fully enacted, this amendment will fundamentally reshape the legal and operational landscape of law enforcement across Nigeria. It will necessitate the development of new legal frameworks at the state level to govern the establishment, funding, training, and oversight of state police forces. The Bayelsa Assembly's proactive step in approving this measure indicates its readiness to embrace these forthcoming changes and contribute to the broader national dialogue on security sector reform.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Nigeria, particularly those operating in Bayelsa State, should closely monitor the progression of the Sixth Alteration Bill. The approval of state police signifies a significant step towards decentralised law enforcement, potentially impacting criminal justice, public order, and regulatory compliance frameworks at the state level.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard News