President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police across Nigeria to the Senate, marking a major step toward restructuring the country’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation aims to amend relevant sections of the Constitution to create a legal framework for state-controlled police forces as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide.
Akpabio Confirms Receipt of State Police Bill
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the development during an emergency plenary session after reading a letter from President Tinubu.
Although the specific provisions of the bill were not disclosed on the Senate floor, Akpabio confirmed that the amendment contains the necessary constitutional clauses required to establish state police formations.
In the letter, President Tinubu stated that his administration remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s security system and protecting lives and property across the country.
According to the President, the proposed legislation is intended to complement the state police bill already passed by the House of Representatives as part of efforts to address growing security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal violence.
Senate Committee to Review Proposal
Following the announcement, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.
He directed the committee to report back to the Senate for possible deliberation and progression of the bill through the remaining legislative stages.
The House of Representatives had earlier passed the state police bill on June 11, while the Senate had already conducted a second reading and referred it to the same committee for further examination.
One unresolved issue remains whether lawmakers will conduct a public hearing before the bill receives final approval, a process commonly adopted for major constitutional amendments.
Constitutional Requirements for State Police
Under Section 9 of the Nigerian Constitution, any constitutional amendment must secure a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
After passage by the National Assembly, the amendment must also be approved by at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to the President for assent.
Renewed Calls for Localised Policing
The debate over state police has remained one of Nigeria’s most significant constitutional and security issues for more than a decade.
Supporters argue that localised policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community security, and provide quicker responses to criminal activities.
The idea gained national attention during the 2014 National Conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan, where delegates recommended the creation of state police as part of wider constitutional reforms.
In recent years, worsening insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and communal conflicts, has intensified calls from governors, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations for state-controlled policing structures.
Several regions have already established local security outfits, including Amotekun in the South-West, Ebube Agu in the South-East, and Hisbah in parts of Northern Nigeria, although these organisations operate outside a formal constitutional framework for state policing.
Senate Deliberation Delayed by Lawmaker’s Death
Despite expectations that lawmakers would begin discussions on the state police amendment immediately, proceedings were suspended following the announcement of the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Yaya Tongo.
Tongo, who represented Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, reportedly died on June 12 after a brief illness.
The late lawmaker was first elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 and secured re-election in 2023. He later defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in March 2026.
Akpabio said the Senate would dedicate the day to honouring the deceased legislator, leading to the suspension of legislative business and the postponement of consideration of the state police bill until the next sitting.
National Assembly Considers Security Funding Reform
Meanwhile, the National Assembly is also considering a separate constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening security funding.
The proposal seeks to place funding for the Armed Forces on the first-line charge of the Federation Account by amending Section 81 of the Constitution.
If approved, the measure would allow direct funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, ensuring more predictable and timely financial support for Nigeria’s military and security operations.