Tinubu Sends State Police Amendment Bill To Senate, Seeks Constitutional Backing

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to consider and approve a constitutional amendment bill that seeks to establish state police across Nigeria.

The proposal is aimed at creating a legal framework that would allow states to operate their own police services alongside the existing federal police system.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, which was read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In the letter, the president explained that the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to make room for the creation of state police.

According to him, the bill is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure by introducing a dual policing system in which both federal and state police authorities would function within the provisions of the Constitution.

Tinubu said the proposal builds on earlier efforts made by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on the issue and includes additional measures to ensure smooth implementation.

“This bill 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 to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges, will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

The president said the bill forms a major part of his administration’s plan to reform the country’s security system and improve the safety of citizens and their property.

“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I’m confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill,” he added.

Tinubu also urged lawmakers to treat the proposal as a matter of urgency.

After the letter was read, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative work.

The committee was directed to examine the proposal and submit its report to the Senate on the next legislative day.

KanyiDaily recalls that the House of Representatives recently approved a constitutional amendment bill that seeks to create state police across Nigeria.