President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow the creation of state police services, calling the move a key part of efforts to reshape Nigeria’s security system and address the country’s worsening security problems.
In a letter sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the president forwarded the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, for lawmakers to consider.
Tinubu said the proposed amendment is meant to provide a constitutional basis for setting up state police services. He added that it builds on work the House of Representatives has already done on the matter.
He said the bill also includes extra safeguards to ensure a dual policing system is introduced “quickly and effectively” for the benefit of Nigerians.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens,” the president said.
He also said he believes the House will give the bill speedy consideration and pass it.
The latest move comes as governors, security experts and other stakeholders continue to demand state police to help tackle rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and communal violence across the country.
If approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by the required number of state Houses of Assembly, the amendment will give states the constitutional backing to establish and run their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
