Nigeria advances constitutional amendment for state police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted an executive bill on June 24, 2026 proposing to move policing to the Concurrent Legislative List and create a dual federal‑state policing structure. The proposal has been debated at a series of town‑hall meetings organized by Arise News and THISDAY, bringing together governors, legislators, security experts and civil‑society representatives.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara argued that state police would give governors direct operational control, improve response times and make them accountable for security outcomes. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin stressed that the amendment includes constitutional safeguards allowing the President to intervene if state police are misused for political intimidation or ethnic persecution, and affirmed President Tinubu’s support as a “masterstroke” for tackling banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.

Stakeholders highlighted the need for legal safeguards, financial autonomy, training and oversight to prevent abuse. The Senate recently passed the amendment, and the House of Representatives is in its final phase of harmonising the bill before it is sent to state legislatures for enactment. The reform is seen as a crucial step to address Nigeria’s persistent insecurity while preserving democratic accountability.