Abuja — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of state police, describing the move as critical to confronting Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Speaking during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said the creation of state-controlled police forces had become urgent in light of evolving threats across the country.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause,” Tinubu said.
“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. ”Nigeria currently operates a centralized policing system under federal control.
Advocates of state police argue that decentralization would improve intelligence gathering and enable quicker, community-based responses to crime, while critics have expressed concerns about possible abuse by state authorities.
The President maintained that a decentralized policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and strengthen grassroots law enforcement.
Tinubu also emphasized the importance of unity between the executive and the legislature in tackling insecurity, praising what he described as a harmonious working relationship with the Senate.
“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.
Beyond security, the President used the occasion to commend the Senate for backing key economic reforms introduced by his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and tax policy changes. He described the subsidy regime as a source of “monumental corruption,” adding that its elimination has helped stabilize the economy.
“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,” Tinubu said, expressing optimism about the country’s economic outlook.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, thanked the President for hosting the interfaith gathering and commended his leadership at what he called a critical time for the nation.
Akpabio said the administration’s reforms had increased revenues available to state governments, enabling them to invest more in infrastructure and development. He offered prayers for the success of the administration and for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.
The proposal to amend the Constitution to allow state police is expected to spark renewed debate within the National Assembly and across the country, where concerns over insecurity remain high.
