Tinubu Proposes State Police Bill for Constitutional Approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services throughout Nigeria. In a letter read during a session of the House, Tinubu explained that the proposed legislation aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for state police, which is part of broader efforts to enhance the country's security architecture.

The president noted that this bill builds upon previous legislative efforts by the House and introduces additional safeguards to ensure the effective functioning of a dual policing system involving both federal and state authorities. He expressed his enthusiasm for presenting the bill, highlighting its potential to create a constitutional pathway for state police services.

Tinubu stated that the proposed framework is designed to address Nigeria's evolving security challenges through a more responsive and efficient policing structure. He emphasized that the bill incorporates significant work already undertaken by the House of Representatives and aims to facilitate the rapid establishment of a dual policing structure to better tackle national security issues.

Describing the legislation as a vital part of his administration's security reform agenda, Tinubu urged lawmakers to prioritize its consideration and passage. He asserted that the proposed legislation is crucial for reorganizing Nigeria's security framework to enhance the protection of citizens. The president expressed confidence that the House of Representatives would act swiftly to consider and pass the bill.

This initiative follows the Senate's recent approval of a similar constitutional amendment bill aimed at establishing state police across the federation. The Senate's proposal received support from more than two-thirds of its members, fulfilling the constitutional requirement for amending the 1999 Constitution. If the House of Representatives passes the bill and it is subsequently endorsed by the necessary number of state Houses of Assembly, it would enable the creation of state police services as part of efforts to combat increasing insecurity in the country.