In a significant development amid Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the 10th Senate to initiate amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
The goal is to establish a legal framework for state police forces across the country. The appeal came during an interfaith breakfast (Iftar) with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s centralized policing system is no longer sufficient to address evolving threats like terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and forest-based criminality.
Why State Police Matters Now
President Tinubu highlighted the urgency of decentralizing policing powers:
- Strengthen grassroots-level response to local threats
- Enable faster, jurisdiction-specific interventions
- Reclaim forests from marauders and restore safety for communities
- Free children and citizens from constant fear
He directly addressed the senators:
“What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”
This push aligns with long-standing debates on restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture. Under the current constitution, policing remains on the Exclusive Legislative List, giving the federal government sole control. Shifting it to the Concurrent List would allow states to establish and fund their own police services.
The Path to Constitutional Amendment
Amending the constitution requires:
- A two-thirds majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives
- Ratification by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly
Senate leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, have expressed support for executive initiatives, assuring that no bill from the President would stall in the legislature.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Security
The President’s call comes at a critical time, as insecurity continues to affect livelihoods, agriculture, education, and investment. Proponents argue that state police would improve intelligence gathering, community trust, and rapid response potentially reducing incidents of kidnapping, herdsmen-farmer clashes, and banditry.
Critics have historically raised concerns about potential abuse, politicization, or uneven implementation across states.
However, Tinubu framed the reform as a unified national effort rooted in shared responsibility and collective security.
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the proposed constitutional change could mark a turning point in decentralizing power and enhancing safety at the subnational level.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the National Assembly moves swiftly on this pivotal reform.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
