Tinubu writes Reps to seek constitutional backing for state police
President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services across the country.
In a letter addressed to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the proposed legislation is designed to amend the 1999 Constitution and create the legal framework necessary for the operation of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Tinubu explained that the bill builds on previous legislative efforts by the House and introduces additional safeguards aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of a dual policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.
“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services,” the President stated.
According to him, the proposed framework is intended to address the country’s evolving security challenges by enabling a more responsive and efficient policing structure.
“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.
The President described the legislation as a key element of his administration’s plan to reform and modernise Nigeria’s security system, expressing confidence that lawmakers would give the proposal prompt consideration.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill,” Tinubu added.
He urged the House to expedite deliberations on the bill, stressing the importance of the proposed reforms in enhancing public safety and improving the country’s overall security framework.
Tinubu’s transmission of the bill comes barely two weeks after the Senate passed a similar constitutional amendment proposal aimed at creating state police services across the federation.
The legislation scaled second reading after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented its general principles to lawmakers. Senators subsequently subjected the bill to clause-by-clause consideration before approving it at third reading.
The measure secured the support of more than two-thirds of members of the upper chamber, meeting the constitutional threshold required for amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
With the President now forwarding the State Police Bill to the House of Representatives, the proposal has gained fresh momentum as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen responses to growing security challenges across the country.
