State Police: Akwa Ibom Assembly Gives Unanimous Nod to Constitutional Amendment

By Asuquo Edem

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has unanimously approved a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of State Police Services, with all 26 lawmakers present voting in favour.

The approval was granted during plenary on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Inter-governmental, Political and Special Matters on the 1999 Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.

The report was presented by the committee chairman, Hon. Emem Udom, as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process being coordinated by the National Assembly and requiring ratification by state legislatures.

The motion for the adoption of the report was moved by the member representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, and seconded by the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide.

In its report, the committee explained that the proposed constitutional alteration seeks to establish a legal framework for states to create and fund their own police services while retaining the Federal Police Service and its responsibilities for federal policing functions.

The proposed framework also provides for cooperation between federal and state police authorities through information sharing and mutual assistance, while maintaining their respective constitutional responsibilities.

The committee noted that the establishment of State Police Services could bring policing closer to the people by strengthening community engagement, improving access to locally sourced intelligence and enabling security agencies to respond more effectively to security challenges within their jurisdictions.

It further observed that the initiative could create employment opportunities for young people across the country.

Following the adoption of the report, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk, Mrs Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to formally communicate the Assembly's approval to the National Assembly for further legislative action.

The resolution represents Akwa Ibom State's formal endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendment, which forms part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria's policing structure and address the country's evolving security challenges.

The House adjourned plenary until Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 12 noon.

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