State Police Push: Tinubu Sends Landmark Bill to Reps

President Bola Tinubu has 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 across the country.

The proposed bill seeks to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to create a legal basis for state-controlled police forces as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and improve policing at the sub-national level.
If passed by the National Assembly and endorsed by the required number of State Houses of Assembly, the legislation will provide the legal framework for states to establish and operate their own police services alongside existing federal security agencies.
The proposal marks a significant step in Nigeria’s long-standing debate on state policing. Supporters argue that decentralising law enforcement will improve intelligence gathering, enhance responses to local security challenges, and help tackle the country’s growing insecurity. The House of Representatives is expected to begin legislative consideration of the bill in the coming weeks.