By Ghazali Ibrahim
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 backing for the establishment of state police services across the country as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The bill, contained in a letter addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and read during Tuesday’s plenary, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation and operation of state police alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
In the letter, Tinubu described the proposed legislation as a critical component of his administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security system in response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services,” the President wrote.
Tinubu noted that the bill builds on previous legislative work undertaken by both chambers of the National Assembly and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure the effective implementation of a dual policing structure involving the federal and state governments. He urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the proposal.
The latest move comes weeks after the President sent the same constitutional amendment proposal to the Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
The push for state police has gained momentum amid growing concerns over insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Supporters argue that decentralising policing will improve intelligence gathering, response times and community policing, while critics have called for strong constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse by state governments.
If eventually approved by the National Assembly, the constitutional amendment will require ratification by at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be presented to the President for assent.
