President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a constitutional amendment bill to the Senate seeking the creation of state police across Nigeria.
The proposal was read on Tuesday during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The bill, dated June 15, 2026, is aimed at restructuring the country’s security architecture.
It provides a legal framework for a dual policing system in which states can operate their own police alongside the federal force.
The President said the reform is intended to strengthen national security and improve citizen protection.
He noted that communities, local governments and municipalities would play greater roles under the proposed structure.
Following the presentation, the Senate referred the bill to its constitutional review committee.
The committee was directed to report back on Wednesday for further legislative action.
Akpabio described the proposal as a major step toward community-based security.
He said local authorities are better positioned to detect and report suspicious activities.
“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies,” Akpabio said.
He added that collaboration between the executive and legislature would ensure effective implementation.
The Senate President explained that the reform would be implemented in phases.
According to him, the process would involve constitutional amendment and subsequent parliamentary legislation.
“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament,” he said.
He also stressed the need for safeguards in the new security arrangement.
Akpabio urged lawmakers to give the proposal urgent attention.
He noted that the issue of state police is non-partisan and national in scope.
“We need a minimum of two-thirds of members to vote on constitutional alterations,” he said.
He appealed for full attendance at the next sitting due to the importance of the bill.
The Senate also observed a brief adjustment in proceedings following the death of a House of Representatives member from Gombe State.
The lawmakers agreed to prioritise the constitutional amendment over other discussions.
The latest bill builds on earlier legislative efforts on state policing.
The Senate had previously passed a related proposal for second reading.
The new amendment provided the constitutional foundation required for implementation.
If approved, the reform could significantly reshape Nigeria’s policing structure.
