President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the House of Representatives to approve a constitutional amendment that would establish state police services across Nigeria, marking another major step in the Federal Government’s efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the President transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, seeking lawmakers’ approval to amend the 1999 Constitution and provide the legal framework for the creation and operation of state police.
According to Tinubu, the proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security system by creating a constitutional basis for state policing while complementing existing federal law enforcement structures.
“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services,” the President stated.
The President explained that the bill builds on previous legislative work already undertaken by the House of Representatives and introduces additional safeguards to ensure the effective implementation of a dual policing structure involving both federal and state security agencies.
He noted that the proposed framework is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges by promoting a more responsive and efficient policing system.
“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.
Tinubu described the legislation as a critical part of his administration’s plan to reorganise and modernise Nigeria’s security architecture, expressing confidence that lawmakers would give the proposal swift consideration.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill,” Tinubu added.
The President further appealed to members of the House to expedite deliberations on the bill, stressing that the proposed constitutional reforms would play a vital role in improving public safety and strengthening the nation’s overall security framework.
The latest development comes less than two weeks after the Senate approved a similar constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police services nationwide.
The proposal passed second reading after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented its general principles before lawmakers. Senators later considered the bill clause by clause before approving it at third reading.
The amendment secured the support of more than two-thirds of members of the Senate, satisfying the constitutional requirement for altering the 1999 Constitution.
With the President now forwarding the State Police Bill to the House of Representatives, the proposed amendment has gathered fresh momentum as the Federal Government continues its push to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen responses to the country’s growing security challenges.
