In an update published by The Punch, the Nigerian Senate has committed to completing the constitutional amendment process required to establish state police before the conclusion of 2026. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu confirmed that the upper chamber would fast-track the legal framework immediately after the current legislative recess.
The move follows a formal request from President Bola Tinubu, who urged the National Assembly to decentralize the policing architecture to better address the country’s security challenges. The Senate intends to conclude the process before the 2027 electioneering cycle begins in earnest, ensuring that the new security structure is operational during the transition period.
Consultations have already been conducted across the six geopolitical zones, with significant groundwork completed on the proposal. The goal is to create a multi-tier security system that allows states to manage their internal security while maintaining federal oversight.
Channels TV reported that “the push for state police has reached a critical consensus among governors,” while The Guardian cited a civil society leader who stated, “decentralization is no longer a luxury but a survival necessity for the Nigerian federation.”
Echotitbits take: Establishing state police is a significant structural shift. While it promises better localized intelligence, the focus must remain on preventing political abuse of these forces. Watch for the debate on funding mechanisms and the “safeguards” Adaramodu mentioned.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/senate-well-deliver-state-police-by-year-end/, March 1, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
