Tinubu Proposes State Police Bill to Amend Constitution

On June 15, 2026, President Bola Tinubu submitted a bill to the House of Representatives, seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for establishing state police across Nigeria. This initiative marks a significant restructuring of Nigeria's police architecture and aims to enhance security in response to growing challenges.

In his letter to Speaker Tajudeen Abba, Tinubu urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the proposed legislation, which he described as a critical component of the administration's security reform agenda. The bill seeks to create a constitutional pathway for state police services and strengthen Nigeria's response to evolving security threats.

It builds on previous legislative efforts and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure the effective operation of a dual police system. The proposal is expected to reignite debates within the National Assembly regarding constitutional reforms, as the current system operates under a single central police force established by the 1999 Constitution.