Tinubu sends State Police Bill to Reps, seeks constitutional backing for security reform

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services across the country.

The proposed legislation, read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create the legal framework for a dual policing system involving both the Federal Government and state governments.

In his letter to lawmakers, President Tinubu said the bill forms part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve responses to the country’s growing security challenges.

“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,” the President stated.

Tinubu explained that the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by the House of Representatives while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the effective operation of a state policing system.

According to him, the proposed framework is designed to establish a more responsive and efficient security structure capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

“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.

Describing the legislation as a major pillar of his administration’s security reform agenda, Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the bill accelerated consideration.

“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,” he added.

The development comes barely two weeks after the Senate passed a similar constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police across the federation.

The Senate approved the proposal after it secured the constitutionally required support of more than two-thirds of lawmakers.

If the House of Representatives also passes the bill and it receives approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, the constitutional amendment will clear the way for the establishment of state police services across Nigeria as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.

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