The Delta State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind a proposed amendment to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution that would allow states to establish their own police services.
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary in Asaba, where 23 lawmakers voted unanimously in support of the proposal aimed at strengthening security across the country.
The move forms part of the ongoing constitutional review by the National Assembly, which is considering changes to Nigeria’s policing structure to address persistent security challenges.
Delta Lawmakers Support State Police
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, presented a letter from the National Assembly requesting the state legislature’s consideration of the proposed Sixth Alteration Bill.
The proposed legislation would introduce state police services while maintaining the Nigeria Police Force as the federal policing institution.
Leading the debate, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi argued that allowing states to operate their own police services would improve the protection of lives and property.
He explained that state governments would be able to establish, finance and manage police services capable of responding more effectively to security concerns within their territories.
According to Nwaobi, locally organised policing could strengthen intelligence gathering and enable security personnel to respond more quickly to emerging threats.
Why Delta Lawmakers Believe State Police Is Necessary
Other members of the Assembly supported the proposal, citing the potential benefits of a policing system that operates at both federal and state levels.
They maintained that state police could improve community security, create employment opportunities and strengthen the ability of authorities to address local criminal activities.
The lawmakers also expressed confidence that officers familiar with their communities would be better positioned to gather intelligence and respond to security incidents.
Following deliberations, all 23 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the proposed constitutional amendment.
Speaker Links Improved Security to Economic Development
Reacting to the outcome, Speaker Dennis Guwor praised his colleagues for supporting the proposed reform.
He expressed optimism that a state policing framework would improve grassroots security and contribute to a safer environment for residents and businesses.
Guwor also linked improved security to economic development, explaining that a more secure Delta State could attract investment and support the government’s MORE Agenda.
The Speaker subsequently instructed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly for further legislative consideration.
Assembly Announces Committee Appointments
In a separate development during the sitting, Guwor announced new committee responsibilities for Ator Okolosi, the lawmaker representing Udu Constituency.
Okolosi was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Investment.
He was also named Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Special Duties, alongside other committee assignments.
Lawmakers Honour Former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan
Earlier in the proceedings, members of the Delta State House of Assembly observed a minute of silence in memory of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Uduaghan, who previously governed Delta State, died on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The tribute formed part of the Assembly’s activities before lawmakers proceeded with the day’s legislative business.
What the State Police Amendment Means for Nigeria
The Delta Assembly’s endorsement adds to the national debate over whether Nigeria should operate a decentralised policing system.
Under the proposed arrangement, state police services would operate alongside the existing federal police structure, potentially allowing state authorities to respond more directly to local security challenges.
However, the Delta lawmakers’ approval does not automatically establish a state police service.
The constitutional amendment must still satisfy the requirements for altering Nigeria’s Constitution before any new policing framework can take legal effect.
Background: How the state police debate began
Nigeria’s debate over state police is rooted in the country’s centralised policing system, particularly the arrangements maintained under the 1999 Constitution.
Governors have repeatedly argued that they are expected to take responsibility for security within their states despite lacking direct command over the Nigeria Police Force.
A significant legislative attempt emerged in 2018, when proposals to introduce state policing advanced through the National Assembly but did not complete the constitutional amendment process.
The issue gained further momentum as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats intensified. President Bola Tinubu’s administration subsequently supported constitutional changes to allow state police.
In June 2026, the Senate approved a state police amendment bill. The House of Representatives also considered and passed proposals, including a further legislative process in July.
On September 16, 2026, the National Assembly transmitted the proposed amendment to state legislatures. Delta’s October 20 endorsement is part of that ratification process.
The main unresolved concern is accountability: supporters see state police as a way to improve local security, while critics fear that governors could misuse police powers against political opponents.
