President Tinubu transmits state police bill to Senate as Akpabio urges swift passage
President Bola Tinubu transmitted a constitution alteration bill to establish state police to the Senate on June 15, 2026, seeking to create a dual policing structure allowing states to operate their own police alongside federal forces. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the bill during plenary earlier today (June 23, 2026) and referred it to the Senate committee on constitutional review with a directive to report back by Wednesday.
Akpabio explained the bill provides the legal framework for state police as part of security architecture reform, emphasizing communities and local governments would gain active roles in identifying threats like foreign infiltrators proactively. Implementation would occur in two phases: constitutional alteration followed by an Act of Parliament, with multiple safeguards built into the process.
The bill builds on an earlier state police bill passed by the Senate two weeks ago and requires a two-thirds majority for passage. Akpabio stressed the issue is non-partisan, cutting across geopolitical zones, and urged senators to attend the next sitting given its national significance. He noted plenary would focus solely on this matter due to the recent passing of House member Yahaya Tongo from Gombe State.