Tinubu urges lawmakers to amend Constitution to accommodate state police

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appeals to the leadership of the 10th Senate in the National Assembly to amend the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended), to provide a legal framework for establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity across the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate of the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja, FCT, to amend the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide.

Tinubu made the appeal Wednesday, February 25, 2026, while speaking during an interfaith breakfast with Senators in the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, FCT.

The Nigerian leader said that the creation of State Police had become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance states’ capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.

The President also observed that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Wednesday in a statement also quoted President Tinubu to have said: “We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause.

“What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) 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.”

National unity needed to defeat terrorism and banditry, says President

The President further commended the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Senate.

According to him, unity is needed to defeat terrorism and banditry in the country.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all.”

President Tinubu thanked the Senate for its unflinching support towards achieving various economic reforms of his administration, especially the fuel subsidy removal and tax reform policy.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible.

“We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system,” Tinubu stated.

He equally averred: “We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage Foreign Exchange.

“You don’t have to chase me for Dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are.”

The statement noted: “What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us.

“We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me.”

Speaking at the forum, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu for hosting the leadership of the Senate to the Interfaith breaking of fast.

Akpabio applauded the President for providing the visionary leadership the nation needs at this critical time.

He affirmed the current administration’s bold reforms have now brought more revenue to governors at the sub-national level for the development of critical infrastructure.

The Senate President then, prayed for the administration.

Akpabio also prayed for peace and prosperity in Nigeria, the statement further noted.

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