State Police: Senate Set for Crucial Vote as Tinubu Transmits Bill to National Assembly

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police services across Nigeria, setting the stage for a historic vote in the Senate that could significantly reshape the country’s security architecture.

The proposed legislation aims to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to allow individual states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the existing federal police structure. The move is widely seen as one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

Nigeria has battled growing insecurity in recent years, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal conflicts. Supporters of state policing argue that local authorities are better positioned to understand and respond to security threats within their communities.

Under the proposed arrangement, state governments would be empowered to establish police formations tailored to their local security needs while maintaining coordination with federal security agencies.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged lawmakers to ensure full attendance during the debate and voting process, describing the proposal as one of the most consequential constitutional amendments in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Akpabio stated that the Senate intends to fast-track consideration of the bill and transmit it to state Houses of Assembly as quickly as possible if approved. He also assured Nigerians that safeguards would be included to prevent potential abuse of state police by political office holders.

Meanwhile, state governors have reportedly intensified demands for greater constitutional authority over security operations within their jurisdictions. Discussions have focused on funding arrangements, operational powers, personnel management, and oversight mechanisms for the proposed state police services.

While many security experts support the reform, concerns remain over possible political interference and the ability of some states to adequately fund and manage their police forces. Critics have called for strong oversight institutions and accountability frameworks to prevent misuse.

For the constitutional amendment to become law, it must secure the support of at least two-thirds of members in both chambers of the National Assembly. After that, it must be ratified by no fewer than 24 state Houses of Assembly before being sent to President Tinubu for assent.

If successful, the legislation would mark a major shift from Nigeria’s centralized policing system and could redefine how security is managed across the federation.