The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a resolution supporting the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police, joining the growing calls for decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system amid persistent security challenges.
The resolution was passed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, who represents Udi North State Constituency.
Ugwu announced the development in a post on his Facebook page, stating that lawmakers voted in favour of altering the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of a State Police Service and related matters.
According to the Speaker, members of the Assembly commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at various levels for responding to the concerns and demands of Nigerians on the country’s security situation.
He expressed optimism that the proposed constitutional amendment would contribute significantly to addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges by bringing policing closer to communities and improving responses to local threats.
State Police Debate: A Long Road to Constitutional Reform
The push for state police in Nigeria has spanned decades, driven by persistent concerns that the country’s centralised policing structure is inadequate to address diverse security threats across its 36 states. Under Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, the country operates a centralised police system, preventing states from establishing independent police forces.
The debate gained renewed momentum in recent years as governors, lawmakers and security experts intensified calls for a decentralised system that would enable faster responses to local threats and improve intelligence gathering. However, concerns remain over the possibility of governors using state police to intimidate political opponents, alongside questions about funding, accountability and operational standards.
In 2026, the proposal advanced through the National Assembly, which approved constitutional amendment measures to pave the way for state police. The amendments require approval by at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly, followed by the necessary presidential assent before they can take effect.
Enugu’s resolution comes amid this nationwide legislative process. It signals the state legislature’s support for the proposed reform, but does not, by itself, establish an operational state police force.
