President Bola Tinubu has sent a bill to the House of Representatives seeking constitutional approval to establish state police across Nigeria.
The proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow both federal and state governments to operate a dual policing system. Tinubu said the move is part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security framework and respond more effectively to rising insecurity.
In a letter read on the House floor on Tuesday, the president noted that the bill builds on earlier legislative efforts and includes safeguards to ensure proper coordination between federal and state police structures.
Tinubu urged lawmakers to fast-track the bill, describing it as a key part of his administration’s security reform agenda.
The development follows a similar move by the Nigerian Senate, which recently passed a state police amendment after securing the required two-thirds majority.
If approved by the House and endorsed by enough state assemblies, the bill will pave the way for the creation of state-controlled police forces nationwide.
