President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to begin the process of amending the Constitution to provide a legal basis for the establishment of state police, as part of measures to tackle rising insecurity nationwide.
The President made this known on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu noted that the creation of state police has become necessary in light of Nigeria’s changing security landscape, emphasizing that decentralised policing would enhance community-level security and allow states to respond more effectively to local threats.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” the President said.
“What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders and free our children from fear.”
He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement the existing federal security architecture while promoting intelligence-driven and community-focused law enforcement.
The President also commended the harmonious relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing unity as critical to defeating terrorism and banditry.
“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.
Tinubu further thanked the Senate for supporting key reforms of his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, which he described as bold but necessary decisions. “I have a lot of credit for bold reforms.
Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not have been possible. We are reformists together,” he said, adding that ending the subsidy regime curtailed what he termed “monumental corruption.”
Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to Bola Tinubu for hosting the interfaith breakfast and commended his leadership during what he described as a pivotal time for the country.
Akpabio noted that the administration’s reforms have boosted revenue allocations to states, giving governors the capacity to execute major infrastructure projects. He also offered prayers for the President, as well as for peace and prosperity across the nation.