By Adesakin Adefemi
President Bola Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State Police as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Describing Nigeria as “extremely challenged” by terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, Tinubu said a constitutional amendment has become imperative to secure forests from bandits and protect children from fear.
He emphasized the need for State Police to enable governors to have direct control over security operations in their states.
The President’s appeal comes barely three days after he made a similar pledge to state governors during an Iftar dinner, where he vowed that the establishment of State Police “will not be postponed”. Calls for State Police have gained momentum nationwide, with state governors, traditional rulers, and security experts advocating for its establishment as a solution to Nigeria’s security situation.
Currently, policing in Nigeria is exclusively under federal control, with states relying on the Nigeria Police Force for internal security. Critics argue that the centralised structure is inadequate to address the diverse and localised nature of threats across the 36 states.
Establishing State Police would require a constitutional amendment, which must pass both chambers of the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority and be ratified by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
Proponents say State Police would allow quicker response to localised threats and better community policing.
Tinubu assured senators of his commitment to working together to address the nation’s security challenges. He also addressed criticisms against his administration, calling for unity among political leaders to confront terrorism and banditry.
The President credited the National Assembly for supporting his administration’s economic reforms, describing the previous regime as “monumental corruption”. He claimed that Nigeria now enjoys economic stability and prosperity.
Tinubu highlighted the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent, urging Nigerians to come together to address the nation’s challenges and work towards a better future.
The National Assembly has yet to respond to Tinubu’s call for a constitutional amendment to establish State Police.
