President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday appealed to members of the Senate to begin the process of amending the Constitution to incorporate provisions for State Police as part of efforts to address national security challenges.
Policing in Nigeria is currently under federal control through the Nigeria Police Force, with states relying on the federal force for internal security.
Calls for State Police have been discussed in national policy circles as a possible solution to persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
A constitutional amendment is required to allow states to establish their own policing structures.
President Tinubu made the appeal during an interfaith breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He described the security situation in the country as “extremely challenged” by terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
He said the constitutional amendment was necessary “for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, free our children from fear,” urging lawmakers to consider how best to incorporate State Police into the Constitution.
Tinubu commended senators for their support in addressing security issues, pledging to continue collaboration with the legislature.
He noted that a similar commitment was made earlier in the week to state governors during an Iftar dinner, where he stated the establishment of State Police “will not be postponed.”
Establishing State Police would require approval by both chambers of the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority, followed by ratification by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
During the event, Tinubu also addressed criticisms of his administration regarding opposition defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, stating he could not “blame anybody” for such movements.
He called for unity among political leaders to confront national challenges, emphasising that terrorism and banditry require collective action.
Tinubu credited the National Assembly for backing economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
He described these reforms as necessary and stated they had contributed to economic stability.
He highlighted the convergence of Ramadan and Lent as a period for reflection, sacrifice, compassion, and national unity.
If the Senate agrees with the President’s appeal, the process to amend the Constitution would begin with legislative consultations and drafting of the relevant amendment bills. Such bills would need to secure broad legislative and state-level support.
