President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police to the Senate, in a move widely regarded as a significant step toward restructuring Nigeria's security architecture.

 

The bill, which was conveyed in a letter dated June 15, 2026, was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

 

According to President Tinubu, the proposed legislation seeks to create a constitutional framework for a dual policing system in Nigeria, allowing both federal and state police formations to operate within clearly defined jurisdictions. The bill also contains safeguards aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing abuse of the proposed structure.

 

The President noted that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and improve the protection of lives and property across the country. Under the proposed arrangement, states, local governments, municipalities, and communities would play more active roles in policing and maintaining public safety.

 

If passed, the legislation is expected to mark a major shift in Nigeria's security framework, addressing long-standing concerns over the capacity of the centralized policing system to effectively tackle growing security challenges across different regions of the country.

 

However, Senate deliberation on the bill was postponed until Wednesday as lawmakers observed a period of mourning following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yahaya Tongo, who represented a constituency in Gombe State.

 

The Senate is expected to resume consideration of the bill during Wednesday's plenary, with indications that lawmakers may accelerate legislative action on the proposal given its national significance and widespread public interest.