By Peace Erewunmi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, to the Nigerian Senate for consideration as part of ongoing efforts to address the country’s security challenges. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of state police services across Nigeria.

The correspondence, dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. In the letter, the President urged lawmakers to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate state policing and strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

The proposed amendment forms part of a broader national conversation on decentralising policing powers to enable state governments to play a more direct role in maintaining law and order within their jurisdictions. Supporters argue that officers familiar with local languages, culture, and terrain would be better positioned to gather intelligence and respond swiftly to security threats.

The bill has received significant support from various stakeholders, including state governors, members of the National Assembly, and security experts, who believe the reform could improve responses to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security challenges facing the country.

However, concerns have also been raised about the possibility of abuse by state governments. To address these fears, proposed safeguards include oversight mechanisms involving the National Police Council and provisions allowing police commissioners to challenge directives deemed unlawful or professionally inappropriate.

The legislation is expected to undergo further deliberation in the Senate before being transmitted to state Houses of Assembly for ratification, as required under the constitutional amendment process. To become law, the proposal must secure approval from at least two-thirds of the National Assembly and no fewer than 24 state legislatures before receiving presidential assent.

If eventually passed, the State Police Bill would represent one of the most significant constitutional reforms in Nigeria’s recent history and could fundamentally reshape the country’s security framework.