President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday night called on the Senate to begin amending the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police, saying Nigeria must urgently overhaul its security structure to confront terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the State House in Abuja, where he urged lawmakers to initiate constitutional changes that would empower states to create their own policing systems. He said decentralising policing was necessary to help subnational governments better secure their territories and reclaim forests from criminal elements.
Tinubu warned that the country was facing severe security challenges and stressed the need for unity between the executive and legislature to safeguard lives and property. He framed the proposed reform as a constitutional responsibility requiring collaboration rather than division, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy was built on cooperation.
The call for state police is the latest in a series of appeals by the President. Since 2024, he has pushed for discussions with governors and lawmakers on restructuring the security framework, arguing that the current centralised system is overstretched and unable to respond swiftly to local threats.
Beyond security, Tinubu thanked the Senate for backing his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange adjustments. He described the decisions as necessary steps to curb corruption and stabilise the economy, maintaining that early signs of recovery were already visible.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured the President of the chamber’s continued support, saying executive bills sent to the Senate receive thorough scrutiny but are ultimately considered in the national interest. He pledged sustained cooperation between both arms of government as the country navigates security and economic challenges.
