President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally forwarded the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, to the Senate, marking what lawmakers have described as a landmark step toward resolving the long-standing debate on decentralized policing across the country.
The proposed legislation was presented for its first reading during plenary on Monday, June 15, 2026, before being referred to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for accelerated legislative action.
Presenting the President’s letter to lawmakers during Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said Tinubu characterized the amendment as essential for restructuring Nigeria’s security framework and appealed to the National Assembly to give it speedy consideration.
“This bill 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 in the letter.
He explained that the proposal builds upon substantial efforts previously carried out by both chambers of the National Assembly and introduces safeguards designed to ensure that a dual policing system functions efficiently.
“It builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure can address our nation’s evolving security challenges,” Tinubu said.
Describing the measure as a vital element of his administration’s security agenda, the President added:
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the Senate will act swiftly to consider and pass this bill.”
Akpabio said the Senate plans to fast-track the legislative process and forward the bill to the state Houses of Assembly without delay, encouraging them to consider it promptly once received.
Backers of the initiative maintain that community-based policing will strengthen national security by making law enforcement more proactive, responsive, and inclusive.
According to Akpabio, taking policing closer to communities, local government areas, and municipalities will promote stronger public participation in protecting neighborhoods and maintaining security.
The Senate President further argued that state police would improve the identification and prevention of infiltration by criminals and foreign elements because residents possess better knowledge of individuals living within their communities.
He stressed that the objective is to move away from a reactive policing model toward one that supports early intelligence gathering and rapid, preventive responses by security agencies.
Akpabio praised the Constitution Review Committee for dedicating nearly two years to developing the proposal, describing it as an important pillar of Nigeria’s wider security reform agenda.
He also connected the urgency of the legislation to the nation’s persistent security concerns, expressing optimism that it could contribute significantly to reducing insurgency, kidnapping, and other widespread criminal activities.
Should the bill secure approval from the National Assembly and receive the backing of a two-thirds majority—at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly—it will be returned to the President for assent.
The amendment would then establish the constitutional basis for states to create, finance, and administer their own police services in line with the safeguards contained in the proposed law.
According to media reports, Tuesday’s plenary was later adjourned after senators observed a minute’s silence in memory of Hon. Yaya Tongo, the lawmaker representing Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, who died during the legislative recess.
