President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to immediately commence the process of amending the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to allow for the establishment of State Police, describing it as a critical structural reform needed to confront Nigeria’s escalating and complex security challenges.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday night, February 25, 2026, during an interfaith breakfast meeting with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu told the lawmakers that the country now faces multifaceted threats—terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping—that demand decentralised policing capable of responding swiftly at the grassroots level.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. 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 said.
The President argued that State Police would complement the existing federal security architecture by enabling state governments to exercise greater control over law enforcement within their territories, improve intelligence gathering through community involvement, and reclaim unsafe areas currently under the grip of criminal elements.
Tinubu stressed the importance of unity between the executive and legislature, praising the current harmonious working relationship as essential to defeating insecurity and restoring public confidence.
“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 added.
The President also used the occasion to commend the Senate for supporting key economic reforms of his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the implementation of tax reforms. He described these decisions as painful but necessary to eliminate “monumental corruption” in the subsidy regime and stabilise the foreign exchange market.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. 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,” Tinubu stated.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, pointing to signs of recovery and urging lawmakers to remain committed to policies that will deliver long-term prosperity.
“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 said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his response, thanked President Tinubu for hosting the interfaith breakfast and described the gesture as a powerful symbol of mutual respect and collaboration between the executive and legislative arms.
Akpabio lauded Tinubu’s leadership and the impact of his reforms, noting that increased revenue generation has empowered state governments to invest in critical infrastructure and development projects nationwide.
He offered prayers for the President, the National Assembly, and the nation, calling for continued peace, stability, and progress.
The call for State Police marks a significant policy shift for the Tinubu administration, which had previously maintained a cautious stance on the issue. The proposal has long been advocated by southern governors and several state assemblies but opposed by northern leaders who fear it could undermine national unity or lead to ethnic militias.
Amending the Constitution to accommodate State Police would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and approval by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
The President’s direct appeal to senators during the interfaith gathering is seen as an attempt to build early legislative consensus and signal the urgency of structural reform in addressing insecurity, which remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the country.
The meeting also served to reinforce the working relationship between the executive and legislature, with both sides expressing commitment to continued collaboration on security, economic reforms, and national development.
