By Enemona Samuel Endurance
President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026 to the Senate for legislative consideration, marking a significant step toward establishing state police services across the country.
The Bureau Journal reports that the correspondence, dated June 15, was read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter addressed to the upper chamber, President Tinubu explained that the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal framework for the creation and operation of state police services in Nigeria.
“I am delighted to present to the Senate for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026.
It seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of state police services in Nigeria,” the President stated.
Bill Builds on Previous Legislative Efforts
The President noted that the proposed amendment builds on earlier work already undertaken by both chambers of the National Assembly on the issue of state policing.
According to him, the bill contains additional safeguards designed to ensure the successful implementation of a dual policing structure capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate. It incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving security challenges will be achieved quickly and effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the letter read in part.
Tinubu Seeks Security Architecture Reform
President Tinubu described the proposed legislation as a critical element of his administration’s broader efforts to reform and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He maintained that creating state police would enhance the country’s ability to protect lives and property by allowing more localized and responsive policing structures.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens,” Tinubu stated.
The President further urged the Senate to give the bill accelerated consideration in view of the country’s current security realities.
Akpabio Urges Full Attendance of Senators
Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of the bill and urged all senators to be present during subsequent deliberations.
He reminded lawmakers of their constitutional responsibilities and the need to actively participate in critical national issues.
“As we struggle to become senators, let us also remember the responsibilities of being a senator. It is not enough for us to secure a ticket and, when we get elected, fail to come to the chamber or make meaningful contributions.
It is extremely important that we all report tomorrow (Wednesday),” Akpabio said.
State Police Beyond Politics, Says Senate Leader
Also speaking during plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele appealed to his colleagues to participate fully in what he described as a major constitutional responsibility.
He noted that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of senators, making full attendance imperative.
Bamidele emphasized that the state police debate transcends party affiliations, geopolitical interests and sectional considerations.
“The issue of state police is one that cuts across all political parties. It has become a non-partisan issue. It is also something that transcends geopolitical zones and sectional interests,” he stated.
Bill Referred to Constitution Review Committee
At the conclusion of deliberations, Senate President Akpabio referred the State Police Bill to the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution for further legislative action.
The Bureau Journal reports that the outcome of the constitutional amendment process could significantly reshape Nigeria’s policing structure and security framework in the years ahead.
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