President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate, seeking the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the President, the bill seeks to provide a legal framework for a dual policing system in Nigeria, enabling states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
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Tinubu stated that the proposed amendment is a key component of ongoing efforts to restructure the nation’s policing framework, enhance security operations, and improve the protection of lives and property. He noted that communities, municipalities, and local government areas would play more active roles in maintaining security under the proposed arrangement.
Following its presentation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, directing it to report back to the chamber on Wednesday.
Speaking on the proposal, the Senate President underscored the importance of community-based policing, arguing that local authorities are better positioned to identify suspicious activities and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.
“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can respond proactively rather than reactively,” he said, expressing confidence that collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government would facilitate the successful implementation of the initiative.
Akpabio further explained that the implementation of state police would be carried out in phases through constitutional amendments and subsequent Acts of the National Assembly.
The Senate President also informed lawmakers that plenary would not entertain other major legislative business following the death of House of Representatives member Yahaya Tongo of Gombe State.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele appealed to senators to ensure full attendance at the next sitting, stressing the significance of the state police proposal and its implications for Nigeria’s security landscape.
