President Bola Tinubu‘s push to establish state police has recorded a major legislative breakthrough after the House of Representatives stepped down its own constitutional amendment bill in favour of the President’s proposal.
The Executive-sponsored Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, transmitted by President Tinubu, was read for the first and second-time during Tuesday’s plenary before being referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for detailed consideration.
The development effectively consolidates legislative efforts around the President’s proposal, with lawmakers opting to consider the Executive’s version instead of pursuing a separate House-sponsored bill on the same subject.
In a letter to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Tinubu said the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal framework for the establishment of state police services as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The President explained that the bill builds on previous work already undertaken by the House of Representatives while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the effective operation of a dual policing system involving both federal and state law enforcement agencies.
According to Tinubu, the proposed constitutional amendment is intended to create a pathway for the establishment of state police services capable of responding more effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
He expressed confidence that the legislation would enable the creation of a dual policing structure that would enhance security across the federation while incorporating mechanisms to ensure accountability and effective implementation.
With the bill now before the House Committee on Constitutional Review, lawmakers are expected to scrutinise its provisions, safeguards and operational framework before presenting their recommendations to the full House for further debate and legislative action.
If eventually passed by the National Assembly and endorsed by the required number of state Houses of Assembly, the constitutional amendment would pave the way for states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force, marking one of the most significant security reforms proposed by the Tinubu administration.
