President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and address rising insecurity across the country.
The proposed legislation aims to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation, administration, and regulation of state police forces alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.
In a communication read on the floor of the Senate, President Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the bill expedited consideration, stressing that the current security challenges facing the nation require a more decentralized and community-focused policing system.
The proposed amendment is expected to define the powers, responsibilities, and operational boundaries of state police institutions, while also outlining mechanisms for coordination with federal security agencies to ensure national security and unity.
Supporters of state police have long argued that governors and local authorities are better positioned to respond swiftly to security threats within their jurisdictions due to their familiarity with local terrain and intelligence networks.
They believe the reform would enhance crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to emergencies.
However, the proposal has also generated debate among stakeholders.
Critics have expressed concerns that state police could be abused by political office holders and used to intimidate opponents if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
The Senate is expected to subject the bill to legislative scrutiny, including committee reviews and consultations with key stakeholders, before making a final decision.
If passed by the National Assembly and approved by the required number of state Houses of Assembly, the amendment would mark one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s policing structure since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The move represents another major step in the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda to strengthen national security, improve law enforcement efficiency, and enhance public safety across the federation.
