Tinubu Seeks 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 the 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.

President 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.

He said the proposed framework is intended to address the country’s evolving security challenges by enabling a more responsive and efficient policing structure.

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.

He urged the House of Representatives 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.

The 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 Senate approved the measure after it scaled second reading, underwent clause-by-clause consideration and secured the support of more than two-thirds of senators, meeting the constitutional requirement 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.