ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of State Police across Nigeria, describing the move as “urgent” to address the nation’s evolving security threats.
Speaking during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, the President stressed that decentralising the police force would strengthen grassroots security architecture and enable states to respond more rapidly to threats within their jurisdictions.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause,” Tinubu told the assembled lawmakers.
“What I will ask for tonight is for you 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.”
The President argued that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security mechanisms while promoting intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement, a model he believes is better equipped to tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Executive-Legislative Harmony
Tinubu commended what he described as the “cordial relationship” between the executive branch and the Senate, emphasising that national unity remains essential to defeating terrorism and banditry.
“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,” he said.
The President also used the occasion to thank the Senate for its steadfast support of his administration’s economic reform agenda, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and ongoing tax reform policies.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” Tinubu stated.
“What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange.”
He added: “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. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us.”
Akpabio Praises President’s Vision
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who led the legislative delegation, commended Tinubu for hosting the interfaith breaking of fast and for providing what he termed “visionary leadership” at a critical period in the nation’s history.
Akpabio noted that the administration’s bold reforms had already yielded tangible results, including increased revenue allocations to state governments for critical infrastructure development.
The Senate President offered prayers for the success of the administration and for the nation’s continued peace and prosperity.
The proposal for State Police has been a subject of national debate for years, with proponents arguing that Nigeria’s federal police force is overstretched and ill-equipped to handle local security challenges. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential abuse by state governors and the risk of fragmented law enforcement standards.
The President’s direct appeal to the Senate suggests the administration is prioritising constitutional reform on security matters as part of its broader governance agenda.
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