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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate, yesterday, said it would conclude consideration of the State Police Bill, 2026, today for onward transmission to state Houses of Assembly.
This is just as President Bola Tinubu transmitted an executive version of the State Police Bill for consideration and passage.
The bill seeks to create a constitutional framework for the establishment of state police services as part of efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.
Reading the President’s correspondence during plenary, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the proposed amendment would provide a legal pathway for a dual policing structure in Nigeria.
In the letter addressed to the Senate, President Tinubu said the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to enable the creation of state police services across the federation.
“I am delighted to present to the Senate for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of state police services in Nigeria,” the President stated.
He noted that the proposal builds on previous efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly and contains additional safeguards aimed at ensuring effective implementation of a dual policing system.
“The bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the proposed legislation forms a key part of his administration’s broader strategy to strengthen security and improve protection for citizens across the country.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens and I am confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill,” he added.
Tinubu urged the Senate to give the proposal expeditious consideration.
Following the presentation of the communication, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved that debate on the bill be stepped down until today to allow senators study its provisions alongside the other constitutional amendment bills transmitted by the President.
The motion was adopted by the chamber.
In his remarks, Akpabio commended the Senate Committee on Constitution Review headed by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for its work on the proposed amendment.
“You have spent about two years on this because it is an epoch-making bill that can address the security challenges confronting our country.
“This legislation will make security more inclusive by enabling communities, youths, villages, municipal authorities and local governments to participate in the nation’s security architecture,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the potential of state police to curb insecurity in the country, Akpabio noted that local communities possess valuable intelligence to forestall crime.
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“As I have always said, every community knows the bad eggs within it. When you see faces that are not from your community, you know. When foreigners infiltrate Nigeria, whether from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Togo or elsewhere, communities will know and can alert the national security services.
“That way, security agencies can act proactively rather than reactively. We must become proactive instead of reacting after incidents have occurred.
“I sympathise with the families of those who are still in captivity, particularly their children who continue to suffer because of the current insurgency. But, with the combined efforts of the executive and legislative arms of government, from the House of Representatives to the Senate, there is hope on the horizon,” he said.
He subsequently referred the bill to the Constitution Review Committee with a charge to present its report Wednesday for further legislative action.
“We cannot do anything further on this matter today. Therefore, the bill that has just been read is referred to the Committee on Constitution Review, which is to present its report tomorrow, Wednesday, for further legislative action,” he said.
“As soon as the report is presented, we will consider it at the Committee of the Whole and fast-track the process so that we can conclude legislative business before proceeding on recess after a year of intensive legislative work.”
Both Akpabio and Bamidele harped on the importance of senators’ attendance at Wednesday’s proceedings, describing the state police initiative as a historic step in Nigeria’s constitutional development.
“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing. This is the first time we are taking that step.
“We will do it in phases, beginning with constitutional alteration. We must ensure there are adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.
“Even current governors who will one day leave office should not be afraid of the state police structure they helped create. That is why there will be many safeguards built into the system.
“If you are not here tomorrow, your constituents will know that you were absent.
“It is not enough to seek tickets and win elections. We must come to the chamber and contribute to the nation’s progress,” Akpabio said.
On his part, Bamidele said: “As we all know, based on the Constitution and the rules of the Senate, we require a minimum of two-thirds of senators to vote on constitutional alteration matters.
“The issue of state police is one that cuts across all political parties. It has become a national issue. It is also an issue that cuts across geopolitical zones and sectional interests.
“Those who are away, those travelling, those already airborne or on the road, should be contacted and encouraged to return. Let us all help to reach out to our colleagues,” he said.
Earlier, the Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased member of the House of Representatives, representing Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Yaya Tongo, who passed away at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja on Friday, June 12, following a brief illness
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our colleague in the House of Representatives, representing Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, who died during this brief recess and is to be buried tomorrow,” he said.
