Akpabio refers state police bill to constitutional review committee
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the president, the bill seeks to provide the constitutional and legal framework for a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Tinubu said the proposed amendment forms a key part of ongoing efforts to restructure the country’s policing system to improve security and enhance the protection of lives and property. He added that communities, municipalities and local government areas would play more active roles in policing under the proposed arrangement.
Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review with a directive to report back to the chamber on Wednesday.
Speaking on the proposal, the Senate president emphasised the importance of community-based policing, arguing that local authorities are better placed to identify emerging security threats and promptly alert security agencies.
“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” Akpabio said, expressing confidence that cooperation between the executive and legislative arms would ensure the success of the initiative.
Akpabio explained that the implementation of state police would be carried out in phases through constitutional amendments and subsequent legislation by the National Assembly.
“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” he said.
The Senate president also informed lawmakers that plenary would not entertain other major legislative business following the death of House of Representatives member Yahaya Tongo.
Meanwhile, the Senate Leader urged members to attend the next sitting, stressing the significance of the constitutional amendment.
“We need a minimum of two-thirds of members to vote on constitutional alterations. The issue of state police is non-partisan and cuts across geopolitical zones and interests,” he said.
The latest development comes barely two weeks after the Senate passed the executive bill on state police for second reading. Akpabio said the fresh Constitution Alteration Bill transmitted by the president builds on the earlier proposal and is intended to provide the constitutional foundation required for the establishment and operation of state police services across the federation.