President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the Senate seeking an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to allow the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
The proposal, titled the State Police Bill 2026, is aimed at creating a legal framework that will support decentralised policing and improve security nationwide.
In a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary, the President said the bill builds on previous efforts by the Senate and House of Representatives on the issue.
He explained that the proposed law includes safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure effective coordination between federal and state police structures.
Tinubu described the bill as a key part of his administration’s plan to strengthen the country’s security system and better protect lives and property.
The proposal outlines a two-stage legal process, involving both an Act of Parliament and constitutional amendments to define oversight and operational guidelines.
The Senate recently passed a separate state police bill, which has already been referred to its Constitution Review Committee for consideration. Lawmakers believe the initiative will improve grassroots security by giving communities, traditional rulers, youths and local governments a greater role in tackling insecurity.
