By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigerian Senate will next week resume deliberations on amending the 1999 Constitution to establish state police, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu announced in Abuja, as lawmakers aim to complete the process before the 2026 general elections to strengthen national security and decentralize policing powers.
Senate Resumes Constitution Review
Adaramodu said the Senate Committee on Constitution Review has completed nationwide consultations.
Lawmakers engaged stakeholders across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
He explained that the committee compiled reports and findings.
According to him, the Senate paused earlier to pass the Electoral Amendment Bill.
Lawmakers also focused on the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
“Now that we have dealt with those, we are picking the constitution review immediately,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the chamber would fast-track the amendment process.
Push for Nigeria State Police Gains Momentum
The Nigeria state police proposal has gained strong support.
Adaramodu described it as a popular national demand.
“The President has signed into it, the state governors too have signed into it, and the National Assembly is in love with it,” he stated.
Currently, the federal government controls Nigeria’s policing structure.
Critics argue that centralization limits effective responses to local security threats.
These threats include banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal clashes.
Advocates believe state police will improve response time and intelligence gathering.
They also argue it will strengthen grassroots security management.
Tinubu Urges Swift Action with Safeguards
President Bola Tinubu formally requested the constitutional amendment.
He made the appeal during an interfaith breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the state police,” Tinubu said.
He urged lawmakers to secure forests and protect citizens from fear.
However, Tinubu cautioned against potential abuse by state governors.
He stressed the need for strong institutional safeguards.
Two days later, he reiterated this position before members of the House of Representatives.
He warned that the initiative must not become “a straight free fall for everybody.”
Amendment Process and Timeline
The Senate pledged to conclude the amendment before electioneering begins.
Adaramodu said lawmakers will complete the process before campaigns start.
They plan to forward the bill to the President for assent.
However, the amendment process requires broad legislative backing.
Two-thirds of the National Assembly must approve the proposal.
At least 24 state Houses of Assembly must ratify it.
If successful, the Nigeria state police amendment will redefine the country’s security framework.
The reform could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
