PRESIDENT TINUBU TRANSMITS STATE POLICE BILL TO SENATE AS LAWMAKERS PREPARE FOR DEBATE

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police across the country, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen grassroots policing.

The proposed legislation, communicated to the upper chamber through a letter dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The bill seeks to provide the constitutional framework for a dual policing system that would allow both federal and state governments to operate police services within clearly defined jurisdictions.

According to the President, the proposed constitutional amendment is designed to address persistent security challenges confronting the nation by decentralizing policing responsibilities and enhancing local participation in maintaining law and order.

If enacted, the legislation would pave the way for states to establish and manage their own police formations while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the federal policing institution. The proposal also includes safeguards and regulatory mechanisms intended to prevent abuse, ensure accountability, and promote cooperation among various levels of law enforcement.

The move represents one of the most far-reaching security reforms under consideration in recent years, following sustained calls from state governments, security experts, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations for a policing structure better suited to Nigeria’s diverse security realities.

Under the proposed framework, states, local governments, municipalities, and communities are expected to play more active roles in policing and intelligence gathering, a development proponents argue could improve response times, strengthen community trust, and enhance the fight against crime and insecurity.

However, consideration of the bill was deferred until Wednesday as the Senate suspended major legislative activities to honour the late member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yahaya Tongo of Gombe State, who passed away during the National Assembly recess.

Political observers and security analysts are closely monitoring developments surrounding the bill, which has generated considerable national debate. Supporters view state police as a necessary response to rising security threats across various parts of the country, while critics have raised concerns about potential political interference and the need for robust constitutional safeguards.

With growing bipartisan support for security sector reforms, expectations are high that the Senate will give accelerated attention to the legislation when deliberations resume.

Should the bill secure the required legislative approvals and subsequent ratification processes, it could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s policing structure and redefine the country’s approach to internal security for decades to come.