The proposal, transmitted to the National Assembly through a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, calls for accelerated legislative action on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026.
The President described the bill as a major component of his administration's security reform agenda, aimed at creating a constitutional basis for state-controlled police services alongside the existing federal police structure.
According to the letter read during Tuesday's plenary, the proposed amendment builds on previous legislative efforts while introducing safeguards intended to ensure the smooth operation of a dual policing system across the country.
Tinubu expressed confidence that the proposed legislation would enhance Nigeria's capacity to tackle emerging security threats and appealed to lawmakers to give the bill speedy consideration.
Nigeria currently operates a centrally controlled police system under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. However, increasing concerns over insecurity have intensified calls for the decentralisation of policing to improve intelligence gathering, response time, and community-based security.
Over the years, several state governments have established regional security outfits to complement federal security agencies. These include Amotekun in the South-West, Ebube Agu in parts of the South-East, and various community vigilante groups operating in different parts of the country.
While supporters of state police argue that decentralisation would bring security closer to the people and improve operational efficiency, critics have continued to express concerns over the possible misuse of state-controlled police by political office holders.
The House of Representatives has previously considered constitutional amendment proposals on state policing, but none has successfully completed the constitutional process, which requires approval by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
If approved, the proposed amendment would establish a constitutional framework allowing both the Federal Government and state governments to operate officially recognised police services, marking a significant shift in Nigeria's policing structure.
The bill is expected to generate extensive debate among lawmakers and stakeholders as deliberations commence on its provisions, funding, oversight mechanisms, and operational guidelines.
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