Tinubu transmits State Police Bill to Reps for Constitutional Amendment

Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, has forwarded to the House of Representatives the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, in an effort to get constitutional backing for the setting up of state police forces in Nigeria.

According to the document, which was read in the House on Tuesday, the proposed bill would require the amendment of the 1999 Constitution in order to create a dual policing system between the Federal Government and the states.

According to the President’s letter to legislators, the bill is part of his efforts to secure Nigeria’s security system from its emerging threats.

“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 announcement is coming just two weeks after the Senate passed an almost similar constitutional amendment bill calling for the creation of state police within the federation.

The Senate gave its backing for the bill after securing the constitutionally mandated two-third majority among the members.

In case the bill is equally backed by the House of Representatives and the bill receives a minimum of two-third majorities from the 36 State Houses of Assembly, then the constitutional amendment will make the way clear for the creation of the state police services in Nigeria to address insecurity issues.