President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police to the Nigerian Senate, marking a major step in ongoing efforts to reform the country’s security system.
The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, aims to create a legal framework that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The bill was officially presented during Senate plenary, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio informed lawmakers of the President’s request for consideration of the proposal. The Senate is expected to begin deliberations on the bill as part of the constitutional amendment process.
According to the Presidency, the proposed amendment is designed to strengthen security across the country by introducing a dual policing structure. Under the arrangement, states would have greater responsibility in addressing local security challenges while working alongside federal law enforcement agencies.
The push for state police has gained momentum in recent months amid growing concerns over insecurity in various parts of the country. Supporters argue that local policing will improve intelligence gathering, speed up emergency response, and allow security agencies to better understand the communities they serve.
The proposal also builds on previous legislative efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly, with lawmakers already considering constitutional changes aimed at decentralizing policing in Nigeria. Several safeguards are reportedly included in the bill to prevent abuse and ensure accountability within any future state police structure.
Before becoming law, the constitutional amendment must secure the approval of the National Assembly and receive ratification from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s state Houses of Assembly, as required under the Constitution.
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President Bola Tinubu has sent a constitutional amendment bill seeking the creation of state police in Nigeria to the Senate for consideration as part of efforts to strengthen national security.
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