A renewed push for constitutional reform dominated discussions on Wednesday night as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on the Senate to begin the process of amending the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the creation of state police.
Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with Senate leaders at the State House in Abuja, the President said Nigeria’s worsening security challenges require urgent structural adjustments. He urged lawmakers to consider embedding state policing in the Constitution as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security framework and enhance protection at the subnational level.
Tinubu noted that terrorism, banditry and insurgency continue to threaten communities, stressing that closer collaboration between federal and state authorities would improve responses to insecurity. He described the proposal as a necessary step toward safeguarding lives, reclaiming vulnerable areas and restoring public confidence.
Beyond security matters, the President commended the Senate for supporting his administration’s economic reform agenda, describing the partnership between the executive and legislature as crucial to implementing bold policy changes.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured the President of the chamber’s continued cooperation and commitment to national interest, noting that legislative proposals from the executive are carefully reviewed to ensure they serve the country effectively.
Tinubu has consistently advocated for state police since the early months of his administration.
Back in February 2024, he met with the 36 state governors at the State House and approved the formation of a joint federal–state committee to examine modalities for establishing state-level policing, reiterating the need to strengthen security nationwide.
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