Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police across the federation.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he underscored the urgent need to decentralise Nigeria’s policing structure in response to growing security challenges nationwide.
Urgent Call for Constitutional Amendment
President Tinubu stressed that the creation of State Police has become imperative to address evolving security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. According to him, empowering states with constitutional backing to establish their own police forces would significantly enhance grassroots security and improve rapid response to threats within local jurisdictions.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause,” the President said. “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.”
He noted that a decentralised policing framework would complement the existing federal security architecture, strengthen intelligence gathering, and promote community-focused law enforcement strategies tailored to local realities.
Strengthening National Security Through Unity
President Tinubu commended the cordial and productive relationship between the executive arm and the National Assembly, emphasizing that unity among political leaders is critical to defeating insecurity.
The President reiterated that collaborative governance remains essential in navigating Nigeria’s security and economic challenges, adding that reforms and institutional strengthening must continue in the national interest.
Appreciation for Legislative Support on Economic Reforms
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Senate for its steadfast backing of his administration’s economic reform agenda, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and implementation of tax reforms.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” he stated.
The President described the subsidy removal as a decisive step toward eliminating “monumental corruption” and distortions in the foreign exchange system.
“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 said.
Highlighting recent economic improvements, President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory.
“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. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” he added.
Senate Leadership Commends President
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thanked President Tinubu for hosting the leadership of the Senate at the interfaith breaking of fast.
Senator Akpabio commended the President’s leadership at what he described as a critical period in the nation’s history, noting that the administration’s bold reforms have led to increased revenues for sub-national governments. He said this has enabled governors to undertake vital infrastructure and development projects across the country.
The Senate President offered prayers for the success of the administration and for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
Toward a Reformed Security Architecture
The President’s call for constitutional amendment signals a renewed push toward restructuring Nigeria’s security framework. If adopted, State Police would represent a major shift in the country’s governance architecture, granting states greater responsibility in maintaining law and order while working in synergy with federal security agencies.
As discussions advance within the National Assembly, the proposed amendment could mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen internal security and safeguard its citizens.