Senate to Finalize State Police Amendment by 2026

The Nigerian Senate has announced its intention to conclude the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, which will permit the establishment of state police, by the end of 2026. Senate spokesperson Adaramodu disclosed this information during an interview with Sunday Punch, noting that the upper chamber will resume its constitutional review work next week.

This development follows a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emphasized the need for lawmakers to prioritize the amendment during an interfaith breakfast at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu highlighted the importance of incorporating safeguards against potential abuse in the proposed state police structure.

He urged that the amendment should not be a straightforward process without checks and balances, drawing on past experiences. Adaramodu confirmed that substantial groundwork has already been laid for this amendment and mentioned that consultations have been conducted nationwide, engaging stakeholders across various geopolitical zones.