Adamawa Assembly Considers Constitution Amendment Bill

The Adamawa State House of Assembly has considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, adopting 24 out of its 26 clauses aimed at providing a constitutional framework for the establishment of state police services across Nigeria.

The bill was considered during Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, as lawmakers deliberated on proposed constitutional amendments designed to give state governments the legal authority to establish and operate their own police services.

During the proceedings, the Speaker presented the provisions of the bill for consideration, allowing members to examine the proposed changes and their implications for policing, security administration and the relationship between federal and state authorities.

The proposed amendment seeks to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of state police services, subject to national minimum policing standards to be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

A major provision of the bill is the proposed establishment of a State Police Service Commission in each participating state, with responsibility for recommending qualified candidates for appointment as state police commanders, recruiting other personnel, overseeing promotions, transfers, dismissals and disciplinary matters.

The proposed commissions would also be responsible for handling complaints and promoting accountability within state police services.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police Service would retain responsibility for policing in states where state police services have not been lawfully established and certified as operational.

The bill further provides for the continued presence and operation of federal policing structures across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

During deliberations, members expressed divergent views on the proposed constitutional amendments. While some lawmakers supported the establishment of state police as a means of strengthening security administration, others opposed certain provisions, while some abstained from taking a position.

Following consideration of the bill’s 26 clauses, the House adopted 24 clauses, with the Speaker directing the Clerk to formally communicate the Assembly’s position and progress report to the National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists after the plenary, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and member representing Mayo-Belwa Constituency, Hon. Mahmud Musa Kallamu, explained the significance of the proposed legislation and its implications for policing and security management.

The proposed constitutional alteration seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by providing for state-level policing, civilian oversight, protection of human rights, adherence to national policing standards and improved cooperation between federal and state security authorities.

However, the establishment of state police services would remain subject to the successful completion of the constitutional amendment process and the enactment of the necessary enabling legislation.

The Adamawa Assembly’s consideration of the bill forms part of the broader constitutional amendment process involving the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly across the federation.