‎Tinubu Sends State Police Constitutional Amendment Bill to Reps

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, to the House of Representatives, seeking legislative approval for a constitutional framework that would pave the way for the establishment of state police services across the country.

In a letter dated June 15, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the proposed amendment aims to revise the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal foundation for state policing in Nigeria.

Tinubu said the bill builds on previous efforts by the House of Representatives on the issue while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the effective operation of a dual policing system comprising federal and state police services.

According to the President, the proposed legislation is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by creating a clear constitutional framework that allows both federal and state policing structures to function effectively in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

‎He described the bill as a key component of his administration’s security reform agenda, noting that decentralising policing would enhance efforts to protect lives and property across the federation.

‎“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 stated in the letter.

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Tinubu also expressed confidence that lawmakers would give the proposed legislation expedited consideration, stressing that its passage would enable the country to respond more effectively to emerging security threats.

‎If approved by the National Assembly and subsequently endorsed by the constitutionally required number of state Houses of Assembly, the amendment will clear the way for the establishment of state police services in Nigeria.

The proposal is expected to reignite nationwide debate over state policing, a long-standing constitutional issue that has drawn support from advocates who believe it will improve security, as well as concerns from critics who fear the potential abuse of state-controlled police by subnational governments.‎