Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to initiate constitutional amendments enabling the establishment of state police forces, positioning the reform as a critical response to the nation’s persistent security crises. Speaking at an interfaith Iftar gathering with senators in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu underscored the urgency of devolving policing authority to state governments to combat banditry, terrorism, and insurgency.
The event, held at the Presidential Villa during Ramadan, brought together lawmakers from diverse religious backgrounds. Tinubu directly addressed the senators, asserting that centralized policing has proven inadequate against threats that vary significantly across regions. “We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency,” he stated. “What I will ask 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, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.” His appeal framed the proposal as part of a collaborative effort, noting, “We are reformists together.”
State police would transfer law enforcement control from the federal Nigerian Police Force to individual state governments, a shift from the current system entrenched in the 1999 constitution. Advocates argue that localized policing could improve response times and community trust, particularly in areas plagued by criminal networks that exploit remote terrains. In the northwest, banditry and mass kidnappings have displaced communities, while the northeast continues to grapple with Boko Haram’s insurgency. These challenges have overwhelmed federal resources, fueling longstanding debates about decentralization.
Tinubu connected the security initiative to his administration’s economic reform agenda, referencing the controversial removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. He described these steps as necessary to curb “monumental corruption” and stabilize the economy. “What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us,” he told the senators, emphasizing the need for sustained legislative partnership.
Constitutional amendments in Nigeria require a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, followed by approval from at least two-thirds of state assemblies. Tinubu’s plea signals a high-stakes political push, though the proposal faces scrutiny over potential risks, such as fragmented law enforcement or misuse of state powers by local authorities. Past attempts to introduce state police have stalled amid concerns about funding, training standards, and national cohesion.
The significance of this move extends beyond security policy. It reflects Tinubu’s broader governance strategy of entrusting more autonomy to subnational entities, a theme in Nigeria’s federal discourse. As the Senate debates the proposal, public attention will focus on whether constitutional change can translate into tangible safety improvements. For now, the president’s directive sets a course for legislative action, with Nigerians awaiting concrete steps amid ongoing insecurity.
