President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a constitutional amendment bill that seeks to establish state police across Nigeria.
The proposal forms part of the administration’s efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, read Tinubu’s letter on the floor of the red chamber on Tuesday.
The letter was dated June 15, 2026.
According to the president, the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, will provide the legal framework for state police services.
Furthermore, Tinubu said the bill would create a dual policing structure.
The arrangement would allow federal and state police services to operate side by side within a constitutional framework.
The president said the proposal responds to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate,” he said.
“It incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure will be achieved quickly and effectively.”
‘Critical security reform’
Meanwhile, Tinubu described the bill as a key part of his security reform agenda.
According to him, the legislation will strengthen the protection of lives and property across the country.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture,” he said.
The president also urged lawmakers to give the bill speedy consideration.
Subsequently, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on constitution review.
The committee is expected to report back to the senate on the next legislative day.
