President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, to the Senate, urging lawmakers to expedite consideration of the landmark legislation designed to decentralise policing and strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
The request was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, and read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Godswill Akpabio, seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of state police services across the country.
President Tinubu described the proposal as a critical component of his administration’s efforts to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
“This bill 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,” the president stated.
He noted that the legislation builds on extensive work already undertaken by both chambers of the National Assembly and includes safeguards to ensure that a dual policing structure operates effectively.
“It 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 can address our nation’s evolving security challenges,” Tinubu said.
Describing the proposal as central to his administration’s security reforms, the president added, “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 swiftly to consider and pass this bill.”
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio commended the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for its extensive consultations and work on the proposed amendment.
“You have spent about two years on this because it is an epoch-making bill that can address the security challenges confronting our country,” Akpabio said.
According to him, the proposed legislation would broaden participation in security management by bringing communities closer to policing operations.
“This legislation will make security more inclusive by enabling communities, youths, villages, municipal authorities, and local governments to participate in the nation’s security architecture,” he said.
The Senate president argued that local communities possess valuable intelligence capable of helping security agencies prevent crimes before they occur.
“As I have always said, every community knows the bad eggs within it. When you see faces that are not from your community, you know. When foreigners infiltrate Nigeria, whether from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Togo, or elsewhere, communities will know and can alert the national security services.
“That way, security agencies can act proactively rather than reactively. We must become proactive instead of reacting after incidents have occurred,” he said.
Akpabio expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity and their families, saying the proposed reforms offered renewed hope.
“I sympathise with the families of those who are still in captivity, particularly their children, who continue to suffer because of the current insurgency. However, he expressed optimism that the combined efforts of the executive and legislative arms of government, from the House of Representatives to the Senate, would bring hope.
The Senate president subsequently referred the bill to the Constitution Review Committee with a directive to submit its report on Wednesday for immediate legislative action.
“We cannot do anything further on this matter today. Therefore, the bill that has just been read is referred to the Committee on Constitution Review, which is to present its report tomorrow, Wednesday, for further legislative action,” he said.
“As soon as the report is presented, we will consider it at the Committee of the Whole and fast-track the process so that we can conclude legislative business before proceeding on recess after a year of intensive legislative work.”
Akpabio later appealed to senators to ensure full attendance during Wednesday’s proceedings, describing the state police initiative as a historic step in Nigeria’s constitutional development.
“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing. This is the first time we are taking that step,” he said.
“We will do it in phases, beginning with constitutional alteration. We must ensure there are adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.”
He stressed that the proposed state police structure must be designed to protect both serving and former public office holders from potential misuse.
“Even current governors who will one day leave office should not be afraid of the state police structure they helped create. That is why there will be many safeguards built into the system,” he added.
Warning senators against absenteeism, Akpabio said: “If you are not here tomorrow, your constituents will know that you were absent.
“It is not enough to seek tickets and win elections. We must come to the chamber and contribute to the nation’s progress.”
Also speaking, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged all senators to attend the sitting, noting that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of members.
“As we all know, based on the Constitution and the rules of the Senate, we require a minimum of two-thirds of senators to vote on constitutional alteration matters,” Bamidele said.
“The issue of state police is one that cuts across all political parties. It has become a national issue. It is also an issue that cuts across geopolitical zones and sectional interests.”
He appealed to principal officers and senators across party lines to mobilise colleagues for the crucial vote.
“Those who are away, those travelling, and those already airborne or on the road should be contacted and encouraged to return. Let us all help to reach out to our colleagues,” he said.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
