JUST IN: Tinubu Asks Senate To Consider Bill Seeking Creation Of State Police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the Senate seeking a constitutional amendment that would enable the establishment of state police across Nigeria, in what marks one of the most significant proposed overhauls of the country’s security architecture in recent years.

The proposal, titled: “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026,” was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, and read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In the correspondence, President Bola Tinubu said the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation of state-level policing structures across the federation.

“I am delighted to present to the Senate 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 in Nigeria,” Tinubu wrote.

He explained that the proposed legislation builds on earlier efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly and introduces additional safeguards aimed at managing the operation of a dual policing system.

“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving security challenges will be achieved quickly and effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the President stated.

Tinubu further described the reform as central to his administration’s broader push to restructure Nigeria’s security framework amid persistent nationwide security challenges.

“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill,” he said.

He urged lawmakers to give the proposal expedited consideration.

“While I look forward to the expeditious consideration of this submission by the Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration and best regards,” the letter added.

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution for further legislative action, setting the stage for renewed debate on decentralising Nigeria’s policing structure.