Tinubu seeks constitutional amendment for state police

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the House of Representatives seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal framework for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.

The proposal, contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represents the most significant attempt to restructure the country’s policing system since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Reading the President’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary, Abbas said Tinubu urged lawmakers to give expedited consideration to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, describing it as a key component of his administration’s security reforms.

According to the President, the bill seeks to create “a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services” to strengthen Nigeria’s response to growing security challenges.

Tinubu said the proposal builds on previous efforts by the House of Representatives while introducing additional safeguards for the operation of a dual policing structure.

The President stated: “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.”

Describing the legislation as central to his administration’s security agenda, Tinubu appealed for its speedy passage.

He wrote: “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 House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this bill.”

Nigeria currently operates a centrally controlled police system under the Nigeria Police Force as provided by the 1999 Constitution.

Calls for state police have intensified in recent years as state governments increasingly rely on regional security outfits and local vigilante groups to complement federal security agencies in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Supporters argue that state police would improve intelligence gathering, community policing and response time, while critics have expressed concerns that governors could misuse state-controlled police for political purposes.

If approved by the National Assembly and ratified by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, the bill would amend the Constitution to establish a dual policing system, allowing both the Federal Government and state governments to operate constitutionally recognised police services.

The proposal is expected to spark fresh debate among lawmakers and other stakeholders over the structure, powers, funding, oversight and operational safeguards for state police.

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