President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Nigerian Senate to approve a constitutional amendment bill that would establish state police forces across the country. The proposal, contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, was read on the Senate floor on June 22, 2026, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Bill Seeks Dual Policing Structure
The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation of state police services. According to Tinubu, the bill is designed to address Nigeria's evolving security challenges by introducing a dual policing structure that allows both federal and state policing systems to operate within a constitutional framework.
Tinubu emphasized that the bill builds on prior work by the House of Representatives and the Senate, incorporating additional safeguards to ensure the swift and effective establishment of a dual policing system. He urged lawmakers to give the proposal expeditious consideration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Senate Committee Tasked with Review
Senate President Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action. The committee has been directed to report back to the chamber on the next legislative day, signaling a fast-tracked review process.
This move comes amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where federal policing has faced criticism for being overstretched and ineffective in addressing local crimes. Proponents of state police argue that it would enhance community policing and improve response times to security incidents.
The bill's passage would mark a significant shift in Nigeria's security architecture, which has been centrally controlled since independence. However, critics have raised concerns about potential abuse by state governors and the risk of ethnic or political bias in law enforcement.
