President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intensified the discourse on security restructuring by urging the National Assembly to initiate the process of amending the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the creation of State Police forces across Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday night during an interfaith Iftar breaking of fast with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the president framed the constitutional change as a necessary response to escalating insecurity nationwide — particularly terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s current centralised policing model under the Nigeria Police Force has proved insufficient to stem “marauders” in forests and protect citizens — especially children — from fear and violence. “What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the State Police … for us to secure our country,” he told senators.
A Renewed Push Amid National Security Concerns
The president’s call builds on his earlier promise last Monday to state governors that the establishment of state police “will not be postponed,” signaling a sustained commitment to security reform.
Recent debates among state assemblies and other stakeholders have also pushed for state policing as a tool to empower local authorities and improve responsiveness in remote and high-risk regions. Analysts argue that devolving policing powers could complement federal security efforts and embed community-specific strategies into Nigeria’s broader security architecture.
Yet the constitutional amendment process remains complex: any change must garner a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and be ratified by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
Political Unity and Broader Governance Agenda
In his address, Tinubu also touched on recent political criticisms, including opposition allegations that his administration is eroding political plurality through defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress. He dismissed those claims and called for unity among political leaders to confront the nation’s security and governance challenges.
Tinubu credited members of the National Assembly for backing key economic reforms — notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market — and described Nigeria as enjoying “a stable economy” poised for prosperity.
Security Reform at a Crossroads
The idea of state police has long featured in discussions on federal restructuring, with supporters arguing it could localise security operations and improve accountability. Critics, however, caution against possible politicisation and financial burdens on sub-national governments if not properly regulated.
As the Senate begins its Ramadan recess, many observers are watching closely to see whether constitutional review committees will adopt Tinubu’s proposal and how swiftly the legislative-executive partnership can translate it into actionable constitutional reform.
