On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Senate passed a landmark constitutional amendment bill to establish state police during an emergency plenary sitting. The legislation formally alters the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration).
The passage of the legislation which came as an executive bill transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, followed the consideration and unanimous adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review under the chairmanship of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Jibrin moved the motion for the presentation and consideration of the report which was seconded by distinguished Senator Kamarudeen Olarele. He noted that, given the inclusivity of the bill, it was necessary to carry along all stakeholders involved. This is a bill on amending the Constitution to create a dual police structure for the Federation.
After the passage of the bill by both chambers (Senate and House of Representatives), it will then be sent to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for their concurrence.
The passage of this bill is a testament to the resolve of the Senate to decentralise and reset our security and policing architecture to effectively combat all forms of challenges in all parts of the country.
The Senate also passed for third reading, the Police Trust Fund Act (Repael and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026.
Furthermore, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON administered the oath of office and allegiance to four newly elected Senators.
The new lawmakers are; Senator Halilu Danladi Envulu-Anza (APC, Nasarawa North), Senator Ikeje Asogwa (APC, Enugu North), Senator Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South) and Senator Olaka Nwogu (PDP Rivers South-East.
