CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
As Nigeria inches closer to establishing state police, attention has shifted to the 12 states that are yet to approve the Constitution Amendment Bill, despite 24 others meeting the constitutional threshold.
The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which provides for the creation of state police alongside the federal police, was transmitted to all 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026. By October 23, 2026, 24 states had transmitted their resolutions concurring with the amendment, according to the Presidential Working Group chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila.
While the 24 approvals are enough to alter the constitution under Section 9, the silence from 12 states has raised questions about funding, politics and the future of existing regional security outfits.
The 12 states yet to approve are Lagos, Ondo, Ebonyi, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano and Sokoto.
http://P.M.EXPRESS findings show that the reasons for delay vary by state and region.
Lagos and the Funding Question
Lagos State, which pioneered the Neighbourhood Safety Corps and funds a large security trust fund, is reportedly conducting a detailed financial modelling of what a full-fledged Lagos State Police Service would cost. Sources in the Lagos House of Assembly said lawmakers want clarity on federal funding, arms procurement, and salary structure before concurring. The state already spends billions on supporting federal police and its own outfits.
Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and the Northern Concern
In the North-West, where banditry and kidnapping remain severe, states like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Jigawa are cautious about the risk of political abuse and sustainability. Some northern lawmakers, http://P.M.EXPRESS gathered, fear that without a strong federal oversight mechanism, state police could be used against political opponents. Others are worried about recruiting and training thousands of personnel amid lean state allocations.
Borno and the Insurgency Factor
Borno, which has battled Boko Haram for over 15 years, is weighing how state police will interface with the military, Civilian JTF and federal police in counter-insurgency operations. Lawmakers in the state want a clear command and control structure in the final law.
South-West and the Amotekun Dilemma
For Ondo and other South-West states, the big question is what happens to Amotekun. The Western Nigeria Security Network was created by six South-West governors in 2020. Approving state police means Amotekun will either be absorbed, scrapped or restructured, a decision that requires legal work.
Ebonyi, Kogi, Niger: Legislative Calendar
Ebonyi, Kogi, Niger, Gombe and Bauchi are said to be behind on their legislative calendar due to budget defence sessions and local government elections, but sources say they are likely to transmit their approvals next week.
Gbajabiamila said on Friday that deliberations are still ongoing in the 12 states and more resolutions are expected in the coming days. Once the National Assembly collates all resolutions, the Bill will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
If assented to, Nigeria will return to a dual policing system last seen in the First Republic, ending 66 years of a single federal police structure.
