President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to commence constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of state police, describing the move as critical to tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday night during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he stressed the urgency of decentralising the country’s policing system to better respond to terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
Tinubu said the creation of state police would strengthen grassroots security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering and enable states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
“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,” the President said.
He argued that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security agencies and promote community-focused law enforcement across the federation.
The President also commended the cordial relationship between the executive and the Senate, noting that unity among political leaders remains vital in defeating insecurity and stabilising the nation.
“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 said.
Tinubu further thanked lawmakers for supporting key economic reforms introduced by his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing tax reforms, which he described as necessary steps to eliminate corruption and stabilise the economy.
“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,” he stated.
“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,” the President added.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership at a critical period in the country’s history.
Akpabio commended the administration’s bold reforms, noting that increased revenues to sub-national governments had enhanced their capacity to deliver critical infrastructure and development projects.
He also offered prayers for the President and the nation, expressing hope for sustained peace, unity and prosperity across the country.
The call for constitutional amendment to accommodate state police is expected to reignite national debate over restructuring Nigeria’s security framework, as insecurity continues to dominate public discourse.