President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of State Police across the country.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said the creation of State Police had become urgent in light of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and insurgency. He argued that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots security architecture and enable faster responses to threats at the state level.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response,” Tinubu said. “What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate State Police.”
The President stressed that the reform would help secure forests from criminal elements and free citizens from fear, while deepening community-based security efforts nationwide.
He also praised the cordial working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing the collaboration as critical to national progress.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, looking forward to a country that protects all,” he said.
Tinubu further thanked the Senate for backing key economic reforms introduced by his administration, noting that such measures would not have succeeded without legislative cooperation.
“Without your collaboration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” he added.
The President cited the removal of fuel subsidy as a bold step that ended what he described as monumental corruption and foreign exchange arbitrage, expressing optimism that the country was now on a path toward economic stability and prosperity.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Tinubu for hosting the interfaith gathering and reaffirmed the legislature’s support for the administration’s reform agenda.
Akpabio said the government’s economic policies had boosted revenues to sub-national governments, enabling greater investment in infrastructure and development projects. He also offered prayers for the President and for peace and prosperity in the country.
The renewed push for State Police is expected to spark fresh debate within the National Assembly as lawmakers weigh constitutional amendments aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s security framework.