Tinubu Sends State Police Constitutional Amendment Bill To Senate

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a constitutional amendment bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police, a move aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s security framework and improving policing across the country.

The proposed legislation, conveyed in a letter dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to the president, the bill seeks to create a legal basis for a dual policing system that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

Tinubu explained that the proposed amendment forms part of broader efforts to reform the nation’s security architecture and strengthen the protection of lives and property. He noted that communities, municipalities, and local government councils would play more active roles in maintaining security under the proposed arrangement.

Following its presentation, the Senate President referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review and directed the committee to report back on Wednesday.

Akpabio stressed the importance of community-driven security measures, arguing that local authorities are often better positioned to identify threats and suspicious activities within their jurisdictions.

“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” the lawmaker said, expressing confidence that collaboration between the executive and legislative arms would ensure the success of the initiative.

Speaking further, Akpabio explained that the proposed state police structure would be implemented through a phased process involving constitutional amendments and additional legislation by the National Assembly.

“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President also informed lawmakers that plenary would not entertain extensive debates on other major issues due to the death of House of Representatives member Yahaya Tongo.

Meanwhile, the Senate Leader urged members to attend the next sitting, emphasizing the significance of the state police proposal.

“We need a minimum of two-thirds of members to vote on constitutional alterations. The issue of state police is non-partisan and cuts across geopolitical zones and interests,” he said.

The latest development comes just weeks after the Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading. Akpabio noted that the newly transmitted Constitution Alteration Bill builds on the earlier proposal and seeks to provide the constitutional backing necessary for the establishment and operation of state police services across Nigeria.