Benue Assembly Backs State Police, Endorses Constitution Amendment Bill

The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police in Nigeria, joining the growing legislative push for decentralised policing to tackle the country’s security challenges.

The bill was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Alfred Emberga, following a debate led by the House Majority Leader, Peter Ipusu.

Ipusu urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the proposed amendment, arguing that state police would strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering, improve responses to security emergencies and enhance law enforcement.

He said decentralised policing could help address security threats, including rural banditry, farmer-herder conflicts and urban crime, while creating employment opportunities and improving accountability.

The proposed amendment seeks to provide a constitutional framework for state police services alongside the Federal Police Service, including provisions for their responsibilities, funding and operations.

Following the passage, 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, constitutional alterations generally require approval by at least two-thirds of the members of each House of the National Assembly and resolutions supported by at least two-thirds of all State Houses of Assembly before presentation to the President for assent.

In a related development, the Assembly passed the Free Eye Screening and Cataract Surgery Bill, sponsored by Simon Gabo, representing Mata State Constituency, for first reading.

Emberga directed the Standing Committee on Rules and Business to prepare the bill for further legislative consideration.

The two measures formed part of the decisions taken by the Assembly during its plenary session on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.