TINUBU MOVES TO LEGALISE STATE POLICE THROUGH CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the House of Representatives seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
The proposed legislation represents the most far-reaching reform of the country’s policing structure since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
In a letter dated June 15, 2026, and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the President urged lawmakers to fast-track consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, describing it as a key pillar of his administration’s security reform agenda.
The letter, read during Tuesday’s plenary by Speaker Abbas, stated that the bill seeks to create a constitutional basis for establishing State Police Services as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
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Tinubu explained that the proposal builds on previous legislative work by the House while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the smooth operation of a dual policing system.
According to him, the proposed framework would enable the country to respond more effectively to evolving security threats while ensuring adequate checks and balances.
The President described the bill as a critical component of his administration’s strategy to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property.
He expressed confidence that the House would give the legislation speedy consideration and passage.
If enacted, the bill would amend the Constitution to formally establish a dual policing system, allowing both the Federal Government and state governments to operate constitutionally recognised police services.
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 over the years amid rising insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and other violent crimes.
Advocates argue that decentralised policing would enhance intelligence gathering, improve response times, and strengthen community policing, while critics have warned that state police could be abused by governors for political purposes.
The proposal has remained one of Nigeria’s most debated constitutional reform issues, with previous attempts by the National Assembly failing to complete the constitutional amendment process.
In recent years, several states have established regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West, Ebube Agu in parts of the South-East, and other local vigilante groups to complement federal security agencies.
For the bill to become law, it must secure the approval of two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and be ratified by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The proposed legislation is expected to reignite nationwide debate over the structure, funding, oversight, and operational safeguards for state police as lawmakers begin deliberations.
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