President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would create a legal foundation for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address insecurity across the country.
He made the call during an interfaith breakfast meeting with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stressing that Nigeria’s current security realities require urgent structural reforms.
According to the President, the introduction of state police would strengthen grassroots security operations, enable quicker responses to local threats, and improve intelligence gathering within communities. He explained that decentralised policing would complement the existing federal security framework and enhance community-based law enforcement strategies.
The President pointed to ongoing challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, noting that constitutional backing for state-controlled policing would help states reclaim ungoverned spaces, protect citizens, and reduce fear among vulnerable populations. He appealed to lawmakers to begin discussions on how best to amend the Constitution to accommodate the proposal.
Tinubu also praised the cooperative relationship between the executive and the Senate, emphasizing that national unity remains critical in confronting security threats. He expressed appreciation for the Senate’s support of key economic reforms undertaken by his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and tax policy adjustments.
The President stated that the reforms have improved revenue generation and strengthened economic stability, while curbing corruption and inefficiencies in the subsidy regime. He urged continued collaboration to sustain economic growth and national development.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President for engaging the Senate leadership and described the administration’s reforms as bold and necessary. He noted that increased revenues to states have supported infrastructure development and pledged continued legislative backing. He also offered prayers for the nation’s peace and prosperity.
