President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted a Bill to the Senate seeking the amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to establish a state police system.
The president’s move marks a significant step toward decentralizing the policing system in Nigeria to effectively tackle emerging security threats across the country.
This was confirmed in a letter dated June 15, 2026, read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The bill seeks a constitutional framework that allows decentralization of policing powers and legally allows states to run their own forces alongside the federal Nigeria Police Force.
“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,” part of the President’s letter reads.
Tinubu stated that the bill builds on earlier legislative efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly and provides protections to ensure the adoption of a dual policing system.
The President stressed that the proposed legislation is a key part of his administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
“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 the Senate to give the bill expeditious consideration.
READ ALSO:
FG Fires Back at Critics, Insists Executive Order 9 Upholds Constitution
Decentralization under Threat: Why 16 States are Opposing New Electricity Amendment Bill
Electoral Act 2026: Tinubu Defends Assent as Opposition, Civil Groups Protest
After reading the letter, Akpabio forwarded the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.
The debate over creating state police in Nigeria has been on for years. While supporters of the policing structure argue that it would help in dealing with security challenges across the country, such as terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, critics have expressed fears that it may be abused by political office holders to suppress opposition voices if adequate safeguards are not included in the constitutional framework.
As the bill undergoes consideration at the National Assembly, lawmakers are expected to examine its provisions and implications for Nigeria’s federal structure, governance system and national security framework.
