Tinubu Sends State Police Bill to Senate in Security Reform Push
President Bola Tinubu has submitted a bill to the Nigerian Senate to establish state-level police services. The legislation aims to reform the national security architecture by creating a dual policing system to better address evolving security challenges.
Why it matters
This represents a major constitutional shift in Nigeria's governance, potentially decentralizing law enforcement to improve local security responsiveness.
President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted a bill seeking to establish state police services across the country to the Senate, marking a significant step in the federal government s efforts to reform Nigeria 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 create a constitutional framework for the establishment and operation of state police services. In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Tinubu said the bill would provide a legal pathway for the creation of a dual policing system capable of addressing the country s evolving security challenges. I am delighted to present to the Senate 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 in Nigeria, the president stated. Read also: Governors seek more powers, funding as Senate considers state police bill Tuesday
The article reports on a legislative action using neutral, descriptive language without taking a stance on the policy's efficacy.
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