Tinubu sends state police bill to House of Representatives for constitutional approval

President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant move to bolster Nigeria's security architecture by transmitting a bill to the House of Representatives. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, seeks constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services nationwide.

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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.

Tinubu stated in a letter read on the House floor that the bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution, providing a legal framework for a dual policing system. He emphasized that the legislation builds upon existing efforts by the House and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure the efficient functioning of both federal and state police. "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.

The President described the bill as a cornerstone of his administration's security reform agenda. He urged lawmakers to prioritize its consideration and passage, expressing confidence in their swift action. "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 House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill," Tinubu added.

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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.

This development follows closely on the heels of the Senate's approval of a similar constitutional amendment bill for state police. That bill secured the necessary two-thirds majority, meeting the constitutional threshold for amendment. If the House of Representatives passes the bill and it gains endorsement from the required number of state Houses of Assembly, it will pave the way for state police services, a measure intended to combat the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation.

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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 House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill.