President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the creation of state police across Nigeria.
The bill aims to amend parts of the 1999 Constitution and provide the legal backing for state police as part of efforts to improve the country’s security system.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter during Tuesday’s plenary, announcing the receipt of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026.
Akpabio described the proposal as a major step that could improve security and increase community involvement in law enforcement. He said residents are often in the best position to spot suspicious activities and criminal elements in their areas, adding that state police would strengthen local intelligence gathering and cooperation between communities and security agencies.
According to him, state governments are ready to move quickly once the constitutional amendment process is completed.
He praised lawmakers for returning from their annual recess to consider the bill and other constitutional amendment proposals, noting that copies of the committee’s report had already been distributed to senators.
Akpabio also commended members of the Constitution Review Committee, saying the proposal followed nearly two years of consultations and deliberations.
“This is an epoch-making legislation that can significantly address insecurity and encourage broader participation of communities in maintaining public safety,” he said.
He later directed the committee to resubmit its report on Wednesday for further action, stressing the Senate’s commitment to fast-tracking consideration of the bill before its annual recess.
Meanwhile, the Senate postponed further debate on the bill until Wednesday after the announcement of the death of Yaya Tongo, who represented the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.
Akpabio extended condolences to the late lawmaker’s family, constituents and associates. Senators also observed a minute’s silence in his honour.
