The Delta State House of Assembly has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that could change Nigeria’s policing system by allowing states to establish their own police services.
The approval was given during plenary on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with all 23 lawmakers present voting in favour of the proposed Sixth Alteration Bill to the 1999 Constitution.
The session was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Emomotimi Guwor, while the House Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, led the debate on the proposal.
The bill seeks to establish State Police Services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service, creating a dual policing structure in the country.
Supporters of the proposal believe the arrangement could strengthen security by improving intelligence gathering, bringing policing closer to local communities and enabling faster responses to security threats.
Speaking after the approval, Guwor described the decision as a significant step towards improving public safety, protecting lives and property, and creating a safer environment for investment and development.
He subsequently directed the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate the House’s decision to the National Assembly for further action.
However, the approval by the Delta Assembly does not automatically establish state police in the country.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, the proposed amendment must receive the support of at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can proceed towards presidential assent.
The proposal is part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system amid persistent security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
If the required constitutional approvals are secured, the proposed framework would allow state governments to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police structure.
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