Akpabio Urges Senators to Vote on State Police Bill

On Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on lawmakers to ensure full attendance at the plenary session scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to vote on a constitutional amendment aimed at establishing state police services across Nigeria. This proposal has gained momentum amid ongoing debates about decentralizing Nigeria's police system, which has been advocated by security experts and community leaders in response to persistent challenges such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime.

Akpabio described the state police bill as a landmark piece of legislation capable of reshaping Nigeria's security architecture and strengthening grassroots security management. He emphasized the need for broad participation from lawmakers, noting that the amendment requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the Senate.

The proposal has received renewed traction following President Bola Tinubu's endorsement and aims to improve local security coordination and intelligence gathering. Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review to submit its report for immediate legislative action.