President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services
The need for the establishment of State Police is part of efforts to tackle the nation’s growing security challenges ranging from banditry, kidnaping for ransom, insurgency, terrorism and communal violence.
The Executive Bill, read on the floor of the House on July 14,2026, during Tuesday’s plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is considered one of the most significant security reform proposals since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
The bill is expected to redefine the country’s policing structure by allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Federal Police.
According to Tinubu, the bill builds on previous legislative work already undertaken by the House of Representatives but introduces additional safeguards to ensure accountability and the effective operation of a dual policing system across the country.
The President Tinubu stated in the bill that: “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.”
Tinubu explained that the proposed amendment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to emerging security threats through a more decentralised policing system capable of addressing local security concerns while maintaining cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies.
The President described the bill as a critical component of his administration’s security reforms and expressed confidence that lawmakers would act without delay in the national interest.
Following the presentation of the Executive Bill, the House of Representatives resolved to withdraw its earlier State Police Bill in favour of the President’s proposal to avoid duplication and ensure a unified constitutional amendment process.
The proposed legislation is expected to proceed to committee consideration, where lawmakers will examine its provisions before returning it to the floor for debate and possible passage in accordance with constitutional procedures.
Security analysts have long argued that the creation of state police could improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing, and enable quicker responses to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence that have continued to threaten lives and property in different parts of the country.
However, the proposal is also expected to generate robust debate among lawmakers and other stakeholders, with many calling for constitutional safeguards to prevent political interference and ensure professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.
If eventually approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by the required number of State Houses of Assembly, the legislation will mark a historic shift in Nigeria’s security architecture and fulfil one of the country’s long-standing constitutional reform aspirations.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
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