President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to begin constitutional amendments that would provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity across Nigeria.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said the creation of state police had become necessary in view of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, stressing that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots security and allow states to respond more effectively to local threats.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” the President said. “What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders and free our children from fear.”
He explained that a decentralised policing structure would complement the existing federal security system while promoting intelligence-driven and community-focused law enforcement.
The President also commended the working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing unity as essential in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony. We are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all,” he said.
Tinubu further appreciated the Senate for supporting key reforms of his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, which he described as bold but necessary decisions.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not have been possible. We are reformists together,” he added, noting that ending the subsidy regime curtailed what he described as monumental corruption.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the interfaith breakfast and commended his leadership at what he termed a critical period for the country.
Akpabio said the administration’s reforms had boosted revenue allocations to states, enabling governors to embark on key infrastructure projects, and prayed for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.
