President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, June 23, transmitted a constitution alteration bill to the Senate, seeking the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture. The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Dual Policing Structure Proposed
According to the president, the bill is designed to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure in Nigeria, allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police. Tinubu said the proposed amendment is a critical component of ongoing efforts to reorganise the country’s policing system to enhance security and better protect citizens. He noted that communities, municipalities, and local government areas would play more active roles in policing responsibilities under the new arrangement.
Senate Committee Referral
Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate committee on constitutional review with a directive to report back on Wednesday. He underscored the importance of community-based security, arguing that local authorities would be better positioned to identify suspicious activities and alert security agencies promptly.
“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” Akpabio said.
Implementation in Phases
Speaking further on the proposed legislation, Akpabio explained that the implementation process would be carried out in phases through constitutional alteration and subsequent Acts of Parliament. “We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” Akpabio said.
Background and Next Steps
The latest development comes barely two weeks after the Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading. Akpabio noted that the fresh Constitution Alteration Bill transmitted by the President builds on the earlier proposal and is intended to provide the constitutional foundation required for the establishment of state police.
