- President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the State Police Bill to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services across Nigeria.
- If passed, the legislation will introduce a dual policing system involving both the Federal Government and state governments as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security framework
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a bill seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services to the House of Representatives, marking a major step in the Federal Government’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, was presented to lawmakers on Tuesday through a letter read during plenary. If passed, the bill would create a constitutional framework for a dual policing system involving both the Federal Government and state governments.
In his letter to the House, President Tinubu said the proposed amendment seeks to provide a legal pathway for the creation of state police services across the country.
“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services.”
The President explained that the bill builds on previous legislative efforts while introducing additional safeguards to ensure an effective and accountable dual policing structure capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians.”
