Tinubu Transmits State Police Bill To Senate In Landmark Security Reform

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the proposed State Police Bill to the Senate, paving the way for what could become the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture since the return to civilian rule.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, received its first reading during Tuesday’s plenary session before being referred to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for expedited consideration.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the presidential communication to lawmakers, described the proposed constitutional amendment as a vital measure to address long-standing concerns about Nigeria’s centralised policing system. The legislation would establish a framework for state-controlled police services to operate alongside the federal police force.

Mr Akpabio disclosed that President Tinubu views the legislation as essential to restructuring the nation’s security framework and has urged the National Assembly to fast-track its consideration. The upper chamber intends to streamline the legislative process to ensure swift transmission to state Houses of Assembly.

“The objective is to move from a reactive security system to one that promotes early detection and proactive response to security threats,” Mr Akpabio told fellow senators.

The proposal builds upon previous work undertaken by both chambers of the National Assembly and includes safeguards for a dual policing structure comprising federal and state police services, according to the Senate President.

Proponents of state policing argue that decentralising law enforcement would make security operations more proactive, effective and responsive to local realities. Mr Akpabio noted that bringing policing closer to communities, local government areas and municipalities would encourage greater citizen participation in security efforts and enhance intelligence gathering.

He further contended that locally based police formations would be better positioned to identify criminal elements and prevent infiltration by external actors, as residents possess greater familiarity with individuals within their communities.

Following its first reading, the bill was referred to the Constitution Review Committee with a directive to report back within days. Senators are expected to consider the committee’s recommendations collectively before taking a final decision on the legislation.

Mr Akpabio commended members of the Constitution Review Committee for nearly two years of work on the proposal, describing it as a critical component of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security sector.

Lawmakers have linked the urgency of the bill to persistent security challenges across the country, expressing optimism that the measure could strengthen efforts to combat insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

However, following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, the Senate adjourned plenary until Wednesday for further consideration of the bill’s second and third readings.