Proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish state-controlled police forces alongside the Nigeria Police, with lawmakers set to begin crucial deliberations…..
President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to consider a constitutional amendment that could pave the way for the creation of state police across Nigeria, marking what may become one of the most significant security reforms in the country’s democratic history.
The proposed legislation, transmitted to the upper chamber in a letter dated June 15, 2026, was read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
If approved, the amendment would provide the constitutional foundation for a dual policing structure, enabling individual states to establish and manage their own police services while the federal police continue to operate nationwide.
The proposal is part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges through a more decentralized policing system. Under the plan, states, local governments, and communities would play a greater role in maintaining security and responding to emerging threats.
Following its presentation on the Senate floor, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative scrutiny. The committee is expected to report back to the chamber on Wednesday.
Speaking during the session, Akpabio stressed the importance of community-driven security, arguing that local authorities are often in a better position to detect suspicious activities and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.
According to him, empowering communities could strengthen the country’s ability to respond proactively to security threats rather than waiting until incidents escalate.
The Senate President also disclosed that the implementation of state policing would be carried out in phases, beginning with constitutional amendments and followed by enabling legislation that would spell out operational details and safeguards.
He assured lawmakers that adequate checks and balances would be incorporated into the framework to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
“We will approach it in phases through constitutional alteration and subsequent legislation. There will be safeguards built into the system, and it is important that we undertake this task carefully,” Akpabio said.
The push for state police comes amid growing calls from governors, security experts, and stakeholders who have repeatedly argued that Nigeria’s centralized policing structure has become overstretched in tackling insecurity across the federation.
Akpabio urged senators to prioritize attendance during deliberations on the bill, noting that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of lawmakers.
He described the issue as one that transcends political affiliations, regional interests, and party lines, emphasizing its national importance.
Meanwhile, plenary proceedings were shortened following the announcement of the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Yahaya Tongo, who represented a constituency in Gombe State.
The latest move by the Presidency comes just weeks after the Senate advanced an executive proposal on state police through its second reading stage. The new constitutional amendment bill is expected to provide the legal backbone needed to formally establish state-controlled police services if it secures the required legislative support.
As debate gathers momentum, attention will now shift to lawmakers and state assemblies, whose approval will ultimately determine whether Nigeria embraces a new era of decentralized policing.
