Tinubu Sends State Police Bill to Reps, Seeks Constitutional Backing for New Security Structure

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of State Police Services across Nigeria to the House of Representatives, renewing efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.

The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation of state-controlled police services nationwide.

The bill was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and was read during plenary on Tuesday.

In the letter, President Tinubu described the proposed amendment as a critical part of his administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security structure and enhance the protection of citizens.

The President said the bill would create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services while introducing safeguards to ensure effective coordination between federal and state security institutions.

“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,” Tinubu stated in the letter.

According to the President, the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by the House of Representatives on state police and incorporates additional measures aimed at ensuring that a dual policing structure can operate effectively.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu expressed confidence that lawmakers would give the proposal speedy consideration, noting that the reform was necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s response to emerging security threats.

“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,” the President added.

The move comes amid years of calls from governors, lawmakers, security experts and stakeholders for the creation of state police as a way of improving intelligence gathering, reducing response time to crimes and addressing local security challenges.

Supporters of state police have argued that a decentralised policing system would enable security agencies to better understand and respond to community-specific threats, while critics have raised concerns over possible abuse by state authorities and the need for strong constitutional safeguards.

The bill will now undergo legislative scrutiny, including debates, committee review and possible consideration by both chambers of the National Assembly before any constitutional amendment can be concluded.