Senate: We’ll Deliver State Police By Year End

The Senate has pledged to complete the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police before the end of 2026.

The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this in an interview on Friday, stating that the upper chamber would resume work on the constitutional review immediately after plenary reconvenes next week.

The move follows President Bola Tinubu’s formal request to the National Assembly to initiate the constitutional amendment process to incorporate state police as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday night, the President urged lawmakers to prioritise the amendment.

“What I am asking for tonight is for you 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, free our children from fear,” Tinubu said.

The President also made a similar appeal to members of the House of Representatives on Friday, encouraging them to ensure that the proposed constitutional amendment receives the necessary legislative attention.

State police has long been a subject of national debate, with supporters arguing that decentralising policing would improve response to local security threats, while critics warn about potential abuse by state authorities.

The Senate’s latest assurance signals renewed momentum toward one of the most significant constitutional reforms in recent years. If completed, the amendment would mark a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture.

Further deliberations are expected as lawmakers reconvene to continue the constitutional review process.