The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to fast-track the necessary amendment to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to pave the way for the establishment of state police, assuring Nigerians that the process will be completed before the end of the year.
The upper chamber's leadership made this pledge following recent renewed calls by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for urgent constitutional reform to decentralize policing powers and strengthen national security architecture amid persistent challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and other threats to lives and property.
Speaking on the matter, the Senate emphasized its readiness to commence the constitutional review process immediately upon resumption of plenary next week. “We are going to commence the process of reviewing the constitution for the establishment of state police immediately we resume next week,” Senate sources stated. “We are going to expeditiously treat the matter. We are giving our assurance that before the end of this year, the amendment will be done so that we can have the state police.”
This commitment aligns with President Tinubu's consistent advocacy for state police as a critical tool to enhance grassroots-level security, reclaim vulnerable areas such as forests from criminal elements, and enable quicker responses to local threats.
The President has repeatedly urged the National Assembly to incorporate safeguards in any amendment to prevent potential abuse while empowering subnational governments.
The proposed reform follows years of national debate on decentralizing the Nigeria Police Force, which is currently centralized under federal control.
Proponents argue that state police would allow governors and local authorities to better address region-specific security issues, boost community trust in law enforcement, and improve overall safety for citizens, farmers, businesses, and families.
The Senate assured that the amendment process would be handled with urgency and transparency, requiring passage by the National Assembly and subsequent ratification by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as the Senate progresses with this landmark reform aimed at building a more secure and responsive federation.