President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a bill seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services to the House of Representatives, marking another step in efforts to reform Nigeria’s security system.
The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, was formally presented to lawmakers on Tuesday through a letter read during plenary.
The move has attracted widespread attention as it could pave the way for a dual policing structure involving both the Federal Government and state governments if eventually approved.
Tinubu explains purpose of state police bill
In his letter to the House, President Tinubu said the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution by creating a legal framework for the establishment of state police services across the country.
The President stated, “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.”
He further stated, “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.”
What happens next?
The proposed amendment will now undergo legislative consideration in the House of Representatives as part of the constitutional amendment process.
If passed by the National Assembly and secured through the required constitutional procedures, the bill could introduce state police services as part of Nigeria’s security architecture, a proposal that has generated national debate over the years.
