President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally forwarded a bill seeking constitutional amendment for the creation of state police structures across Nigeria to the Senate for legislative consideration.
The proposal is titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026.
It was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
In the presidential correspondence dated June 15, Tinubu explained that the bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a legal framework for state-controlled police services.
He said the reform is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve responses to rising security challenges.
According to him, the proposal builds on earlier constitutional review efforts by the National Assembly.
President Tinubu noted that the bill includes provisions designed to guide the implementation of a dual policing system—comprising federal and state police structures.
He described the reform as a key part of his administration’s broader strategy to enhance national security and citizen protection.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture,” the President stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged lawmakers to prioritise attendance and participation in the debate, stressing the importance of the constitutional amendment process.
He emphasised that decisions on constitutional alteration require a two-thirds majority of all senators.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also called for full participation, describing the bill as a national, non-partisan security reform initiative.
He noted that state police has become a widely discussed solution to Nigeria’s security challenges across all geopolitical zones.
Following its reading, the Senate President referred the bill to the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution for further legislative work.
The proposal is expected to be a major focus of constitutional debate in the coming weeks.
