NASARAWA ASSEMBLY ENDORSES STATE POLICE BILL, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BILL SCALES SECOND READING
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of State Police Services following its approval of the Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, forwarded by the National Assembly for consideration by state legislatures.
The House also passed into second reading a bill seeking to amend the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Financial Management Law, 2021, to strengthen financial administration and improve the smooth running of the legislature.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Ph.D., announced the decisions during plenary in Lafia.
Assembly Endorses State Police Bill
Speaking on the State Police Bill, Dr. Jatau explained that the proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish a legal framework for the creation of State Police Services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force at the federal level.
He said the House had endorsed the Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, aimed at providing constitutional backing for the establishment of state police.
The Speaker subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the Assembly's resolution to the National Assembly for further necessary action.
Dr. Jatau commended lawmakers for their consultations with relevant stakeholders before reaching the decision, expressing optimism that state police would complement the federal police in tackling insecurity and promoting peace across the country.
Financial Management Bill Scales Second Reading
In a related development, the House unanimously passed into second reading a bill seeking to amend the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Financial Management Law, 2021, and for other related matters.
The Speaker announced the passage after the sponsor of the bill, Hon. Daniel Ogazi, presented its general principles during plenary.
Ogazi explained that the proposed amendment had become necessary in view of prevailing operational realities and would provide appropriate financial guidelines for the effective administration and smooth operation of the legislature.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara and Hon. Hudu A. Hudu supported the bill, describing the proposed amendment as necessary for improving the financial management framework of the Assembly.
Ogazi moved the motion for the bill to scale second reading, which was seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Adamu Oyanki.
Following deliberations, members unanimously approved the bill for second reading.
The Speaker thereafter referred the bill to the House Committee on Rules and Business, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Adamu Oyanki, with a directive to study the proposed legislation and report back to the House on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Assembly Receives Service Commission Law Amendment Report
Meanwhile, the House received the report of its Standing Committee on Rules and Business on a bill seeking to amend the re-enacted Nasarawa State House of Assembly Service Commission Law, 2023, and other incidental matters.
The report was presented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala.
Dr. Jatau subsequently scheduled Wednesday, October 28, 2026, for the House to deliberate on the committee's report.
The developments formed part of the Assembly's ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen security, improve financial administration and enhance the institutional framework of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
