Benue State House of Assembly has passed the constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police services in Nigeria, signalling its support for decentralised policing as part of efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
The Assembly also passed a bill on free eye screening and cataract surgery through first reading.
The decisions were taken during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Berger Alfred Emberga.
Leading debate on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, the House Majority Leader, Peter Ipusu, called for accelerated consideration of the proposed amendments.
Ipusu said state police could strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering, improve response to security emergencies and enhance law enforcement through officers familiar with the communities they serve.
He also highlighted the potential of decentralised policing to address security threats, including rural banditry, farmer-herder conflicts and urban crime, while creating employment opportunities and strengthening accountability.
The proposed amendments seek to establish a constitutional framework for state police services alongside the Federal Police Service, with provisions covering their responsibilities, funding and operations.
Following the adoption, Speaker Emberga directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the Assembly’s decision to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, the alteration of the constitution requires approval by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly before transmission to the President for assent, subject to the applicable constitutional procedure.
In a related development, the Assembly passed for the first reading the Free Eye Screening and Cataract Surgery Bill, sponsored by Simon Gabo, representing Mata State Constituency.
Speaker Emberga subsequently directed the Assembly Standing Committee on Rules and Business to prepare the bill for further legislative consideration.
The two legislative developments formed part of the decisions taken by the Benue State House of Assembly during its plenary session on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
