President Bola Tinubu has formally submitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the creation of state police across Nigeria.
The development was disclosed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session. He stated that the upper chamber is scheduled to deliberate on the constitutional amendment proposal on Wednesday.
Akpabio further revealed that state governments have also indicated their readiness to examine the bill immediately after receiving it.
The proposed legislation aims to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal basis for the establishment and operation of state police forces throughout the federation.
The initiative follows sustained advocacy by President Tinubu for constitutional reforms that would empower states to take a more active role in safeguarding lives and property within their jurisdictions.
In February, the President called on the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to accommodate state policing, arguing that the measure is essential in addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges confronting the nation.
Speaking during his Democracy Day address earlier this month, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity, declaring that terrorists, bandits and their sponsors would face the full force of the law without mercy.
The President noted that more than 13,000 terrorists had been eliminated over the past year and said fatalities linked to terrorism had declined significantly compared to previous years.
Despite these gains, Tinubu acknowledged that the continued detention of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states remains a painful reminder of the security concerns still facing the country.
Support for state policing has continued to grow in recent months, with both chambers of the National Assembly advancing constitutional amendment efforts aimed at decentralising policing responsibilities and granting greater security powers to state governments.
The Senate is also expected to reconvene today in an emergency plenary session as lawmakers work towards passing the bill and advancing what is considered one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history.
More details to follow.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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