President Bola Tinubu has urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to begin the process of amending the Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of State Police, describing the move as critical to tackling Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
The President stressed that decentralised policing had become increasingly urgent amid persistent threats of terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country. He argued that State Police would strengthen grassroots security structures and enable faster responses to local threats.
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 how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate State Police.”
According to him, the reform would also enhance efforts to secure Nigeria’s forests from criminal elements and help restore citizens’ confidence in national security.
Tinubu further commended the cordial working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing it as vital to national development.
It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, looking forward to a country that protects all,” he said.
The President also expressed appreciation to lawmakers for backing his administration’s key economic reforms, noting that their collaboration made major policy shifts possible.
“Without your collaboration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” he added.
Tinubu defended the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step that ended what he called monumental corruption and foreign exchange arbitrage. He maintained that the economy was stabilising and positioned for growth.
What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard,” the President stated.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu for hosting the interfaith gathering and pledged continued legislative support for the administration’s reform agenda.
Akpabio said ongoing reforms had boosted revenue allocations to sub-national governments, enabling them to undertake more infrastructure projects. He also offered prayers for the President and for peace and prosperity in the country.
The call for constitutional amendment to establish State Police is expected to ignite fresh debate on restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture.
