Tinubu transmits state police framework bill to Senate

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a constitutional amendment bill to the Nigerian Senate, proposing the establishment of state police forces. This move aims to create a crucial legal framework for localized policing, a measure intended to bolster the nation's response to growing security threats.

The bill seeks to amend relevant constitutional provisions, with President Tinubu stating his administration's commitment to reorganizing Nigeria's security architecture. He emphasized that the proposed legislation complements existing efforts by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure the swift and effective creation of a dual policing structure. "The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens," Tinubu said in a letter read to the Senate.

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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.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed the bill's transmission during an emergency plenary session and referred it to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for deliberation. The committee is expected to report back on Wednesday for potential final consideration. This development follows the Senate's earlier passage of a separate bill to establish state police for a second reading.

Calls for state police have intensified over the years due to rising incidents of armed robbery, communal clashes, and other security challenges. A National Conference convened during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration also recommended the creation of state police as a strategy to combat insecurity. The persistent issues of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism have further pressured governors and political leaders to advocate for this reform.

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The 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.