The Ondo State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards enhancing local security by passing a bill aimed at establishing state police in Nigeria. This decision, made on Monday, is part of a broader effort to address escalating security challenges across the country, which have prompted calls for a more decentralized policing system. The bill, formally known as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, is now poised to alter the Nigerian constitution to facilitate the creation of State Police Services.

With this legislative move, Ondo State joins a growing list of regions advocating for state-level policing, having become the latest to endorse the proposed framework after 24 other state assemblies met the constitutional requirements just last week. Lawmakers in Ondo described the bill as "long overdue," reflecting a widespread sentiment that local police forces could better respond to the unique security needs of their communities compared to federal forces.S2

The push for state police comes amid rising incidents of violence and crime in various parts of Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for tailored security solutions. As states increasingly seek autonomy in managing their security affairs, the passage of this bill marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria's ongoing debate over policing and governance.S1S2