The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially committed to concluding the constitutional amendment process required for the establishment of state police before the end of 2026.
This legislative priority follows a formal request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly to restructure the nation’s security architecture to better combat persistent internal security challenges.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed on Friday that the upper chamber will prioritize the review immediately upon reconvening plenary next week.
The National Assembly aims to complete the amendment and secure presidential assent before the commencement of political campaigns for the next general election.
“We are giving our assurance that before the end of this year, the amendment will be done so that we can have the state police,” Adaramodu stated, noting that substantial groundwork, including geopolitical stakeholder consultations, has already been compiled by the Constitution Review Committee.
President Tinubu, addressing lawmakers at the Presidential Villa, emphasized that decentralizing the police force is essential to “secure our country” and “take over our forests from marauders.” However, the President specifically urged the National Assembly to incorporate robust checks and balances to prevent the potential abuse of police power by state governors. He stressed that the reform must not be a “free fall,” but a structured evolution based on past national experiences.
While the proposal enjoys broad support from the Presidency, State Governors, and the National Assembly, key socio-political groups have highlighted the need for strict oversight:
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN): National President Baba Ngelzarma noted that while state police can address personnel shortages, recruitment must be ethnically and religiously balanced to prevent group domination or political intimidation.
Afenifere: The Pan-Yoruba group, through spokesperson Jare Ajayi, reiterated that local crimes are best addressed through local structures but insisted the bill must include provisions allowing citizens to challenge any misuse of police power in court.
Constitutional Strategy: APC Chieftain Ayodele Arise suggested moving policing to the Concurrent List by amending Section 214 of the Constitution, allowing federal and state forces to coexist.
The Senate Committee on Constitution Review will resume work immediately to integrate these findings into a final bill. The leadership of the National Assembly remains confident that with the current political alignment, the transition to a decentralized policing model can be achieved within months.
