Tinubu sends State Police Amendment Bill to Senate

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a constitution alteration bill to the Senate, seeking to establish state police services as a key reform to the nation's security architecture.

The proposed legislation, dated June 15, aims to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure, empowering states to create and manage their own police forces in addition to the existing federal police. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the receipt of the bill, known as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, on Tuesday.

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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 national security challenges will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians.

President Tinubu emphasized that the amendment is a critical component of his administration's strategy to reorganize the country's policing system. He believes this will enhance security and improve the protection of citizens, with communities and local government areas playing more active roles. The President noted that the bill builds upon previous legislative efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly and includes safeguards for effective implementation.

"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 national security challenges will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians," Tinubu stated in his communication. He urged lawmakers to give the proposal "expeditious consideration," highlighting it as a key element in his administration's plan to improve the protection of lives and property.

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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’m confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill.