President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026 to the Senate for consideration.
The correspondence, dated June 15, was read on the floor of the senate by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday.
In the letter, Mr Tinubu said the proposed legislation sought to amend the 1999 constitution to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of state police services across the country.
“I am delighted to present to the senate for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026.
“It seeks to amend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of state police services in Nigeria,” he stated.
According to him, the bill builds on previous legislative efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly and includes safeguards to support the implementation of a dual policing system.
“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate. It incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving security challenges will be achieved quickly and effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the letter read in part.
The president described the proposal as a key component of his administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens,” he stated.
Mr Tinubu urged the upper chamber to give the bill expeditious consideration.
In his remarks, Mr Akpabio stressed the need for all senators to be at plenary on Wednesday to consider the bill for passage.
He said, “As we struggle to become senators, let us also remember the responsibilities of being a senator. It is not enough for us to secure a ticket and, when we get elected, fail to come to the chamber or make meaningful contributions. It is extremely important that we all report tomorrow (Wednesday).”
Also speaking, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, appealed to his colleagues to ensure participation in ‘a major constitutional duty that we owe to our people who elected us as their representatives’.
“As we all know, based on constitutional provisions and the rules of the senate, we need a minimum of two-thirds of distinguished senators to vote on constitutional alterations. Therefore, it is important for all of us to be present. I know that members of the public who elected us will also be interested in knowing those who participated in this important constitutional responsibility.
“The issue of state police is one that cuts across all political parties. It has become a non-partisan issue. It is also something that transcends geopolitical zones and sectional interests,” Bamidele said.
The senate president, thereafter, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution for further legislative action.
(NAN)
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