Tinubu Sends State Police Bill to Senate in Major Push for Security Reform

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a significant step toward overhauling Nigeria’s security structure by transmitting a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police across the country.

The proposed legislation, which was formally presented to lawmakers during Tuesday’s plenary session, is aimed at creating a constitutional framework that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s communication before the chamber, revealing that the bill forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen security, improve policing efficiency, and enhance the protection of lives and property nationwide.

According to President Tinubu, the proposed constitutional amendment seeks to introduce a dual policing system that would empower state governments to play a more direct role in maintaining law and order within their territories. He emphasized that the reform would enable communities, municipalities, and local government areas to contribute more effectively to security operations and intelligence gathering.

The president argued that decentralizing certain aspects of policing would help address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges by bringing law enforcement closer to the people and improving response times to threats.

Following the presentation of the bill, Akpabio referred it to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review with instructions to report back to the chamber on Wednesday for further legislative consideration.

Speaking on the proposal, the Senate President highlighted the importance of community-based policing, noting that local authorities and residents are often better positioned to identify suspicious activities within their environments. He explained that a state police structure could improve intelligence gathering and enable security agencies to act proactively against emerging threats.

Akpabio also disclosed that the implementation of the state police system would be carried out in phases through constitutional amendments and supporting Acts of Parliament. He assured lawmakers that the proposed framework would contain safeguards designed to prevent abuse while ensuring accountability and effectiveness.

The Senate President urged members of the National Assembly to prioritize the bill, describing it as a critical national issue that transcends political affiliations, regional interests, and party lines. He stressed that the constitutional amendment process would require the support of at least two-thirds of lawmakers, making broad participation essential.

The renewed push for state police comes barely weeks after the Senate approved an executive bill on the matter for second reading. The latest Constitution Alteration Bill is expected to provide the legal foundation necessary for the establishment and operation of state-controlled police services throughout the country.

For years, the debate over state police has remained one of Nigeria’s most discussed security reforms. Supporters argue that decentralizing policing will improve local security management, while critics have raised concerns about potential political interference and misuse of state-controlled law enforcement agencies.

As lawmakers prepare to deliberate on the proposal, the bill represents one of the most consequential security reforms currently under consideration and could redefine the future of policing in Nigeria if eventually passed into law.