The House of Representatives has withdrawn its proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police, opting instead to consider the Executive-sponsored version transmitted by President Bola Tinubu as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria's security architecture.
The decision was reached during plenary after lawmakers rescinded an earlier resolution that had advanced the House's version of the State Police Bill.
The move shifts legislative attention to the President's proposal, which has already passed its first and second readings in the Green Chamber.
The motion to withdraw the House bill was moved by Francis Waive, who recalled that lawmakers had earlier passed a constitutional amendment on June 11, 2026, to establish State Police Services.
He explained that the House had also constituted a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions before the President submitted a more comprehensive executive proposal.
Following the adoption of the Executive bill, the House referred the legislation to its Committee on Constitutional Review for detailed scrutiny and further legislative work before it returns to the chamber for additional consideration.
President Tinubu, in a letter addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, said the proposed constitutional amendment seeks to create a clear legal framework for establishing and operating state police services across Nigeria.
According to the President, the bill builds on previous legislative efforts while introducing additional safeguards to ensure an effective dual policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.
Tinubu argued that the proposal forms a key part of his administration's security reform agenda and is intended to improve Nigeria's response to evolving security threats by decentralising policing while maintaining national coordination and accountability.
He also expressed confidence that lawmakers would give the legislation speedy consideration.
Supporters of the move believe adopting a single Executive-backed bill could simplify the constitutional amendment process and reduce duplication of legislative efforts.
They also argue that harmonising both proposals may accelerate the establishment of a modern policing framework capable of addressing insecurity across the federation.
The debate over state police has intensified in recent months as policymakers continue to explore constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening security at the sub-national level.
While many stakeholders support decentralised policing as a response to rising insecurity, others have continued to advocate strong constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure effective oversight.
If eventually passed by the National Assembly and approved through the constitutional amendment process, the legislation would pave the way for the creation of state police services, marking one of Nigeria's most significant security reforms since the return to democratic rule in 1999.