President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration State Police Bill 2026 to the House of Representatives, seeking lawmakers’ approval for a constitutional amendment that would pave the way for the creation of state police services across the country.
The proposal was conveyed in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary session of the House. In the letter, the President explained that the bill is designed to amend the 1999 Constitution by providing the legal foundation for the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
Tinubu noted that the proposed legislation builds on previous work already undertaken by the House of Representatives on the issue. He said the latest version also introduces additional safeguards to ensure that both the federal and state police systems can operate effectively under a dual policing structure.
According to the President, the bill is intended to create a constitutional pathway for establishing state police services while responding to the country’s changing security needs through a more efficient and responsive policing framework.
He expressed confidence that the new arrangement would help tackle emerging security challenges more effectively, adding that the proposed safeguards would support the smooth operation of both federal and state policing institutions for the benefit of Nigerians.
Tinubu described the bill as a major part of his administration’s plan to reform the nation’s security architecture. He urged members of the House of Representatives to give the proposal speedy consideration and approval, saying it is essential to improving the country’s ability to protect lives and property.
The President also expressed optimism that lawmakers would act swiftly to pass the legislation, stressing that the proposed amendment is central to his government’s efforts to strengthen national security through constitutional reforms.
The development comes less than two weeks after the Senate approved a similar constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police nationwide.
The Senate passed the proposal after it secured the support of more than two thirds of its members, satisfying the constitutional requirement needed to amend the 1999 Constitution.
