President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional approval for the establishment of state police services across the country.
The proposed legislation is aimed at amending relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the creation of state-controlled police forces as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and improve policing at the sub-national level.
If approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by the required number of State Houses of Assembly, the bill would provide the legal framework for states to establish and operate their own police services alongside existing federal security agencies.
The move marks a significant step in Nigeria’s long-running debate over state policing, with supporters arguing that decentralising law enforcement would enhance intelligence gathering, improve response to local security challenges, and tackle rising cases of insecurity across the country.
The House of Representatives is expected to commence legislative consideration of the bill in the coming weeks.
