Tinubu Urges Senators To Review Constitution For State Police

Tinubu Urges Senators to Review Constitution for State Police

On February 26, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a significant appeal to the leadership of Nigeria’s 10th Senate, calling for constitutional amendments to establish State Police. This move, he emphasized, is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s mounting security challenges and ensuring that states have the capacity to respond effectively to threats within their jurisdictions.

The Appeal for State Police

Speaking during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu underscored the urgency of decentralizing Nigeria’s policing structure. He argued that a state-controlled police system would complement the existing federal security framework, strengthen grassroots policing, and promote intelligence-driven, community-focused law enforcement.

Tinubu highlighted the realities of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, stressing that Nigeria must evolve its security response. He urged senators to begin deliberations on amending the constitution to incorporate provisions for State Police, which he believes will help reclaim forests from criminal elements and restore safety for children and communities.

Executive-Legislative Collaboration

The President commended the cordial relationship between the executive and the Senate, noting that unity is essential in defeating terrorism and banditry. He praised the Senate’s support for his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and tax restructuring, which he described as bold steps against monumental corruption.

Tinubu emphasized that these reforms, achieved through collaboration with the legislature, have stabilized Nigeria’s economy and created opportunities for prosperity. He expressed gratitude to senators for their role in enabling reforms that have increased revenue for states and reduced corruption in subsidy and foreign exchange systems.

Senate’s Response

Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded President Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as visionary and timely. He acknowledged that the administration’s reforms have boosted revenue at the sub-national level, enabling governors to invest in critical infrastructure. Akpabio also expressed prayers for the success of the administration and for peace and prosperity across the nation.

Conclusion

President Tinubu’s call for constitutional review to establish State Police marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s security discourse. His appeal reflects a growing recognition that centralized policing may no longer be sufficient to address the country’s diverse and evolving threats. The Senate’s response, coupled with ongoing collaboration between the executive and legislature, suggests that the debate over State Police will remain central to Nigeria’s governance and security agenda in the months ahead.