Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police, as part of broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said the creation of state police had become imperative in light of evolving security threats, arguing that decentralised policing would enhance grassroots security and enable faster responses to local challenges.
“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 maintained that a decentralised policing system would complement the existing federal security architecture while promoting intelligence-driven, community-focused law enforcement.
Tinubu also commended what he described as the cordial working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, stressing that unity among political leaders was vital 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.
The President further thanked the Senate for backing key reforms introduced by his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing tax reforms, describing them as difficult 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 scrapping the subsidy regime helped curb what he termed “monumental corruption.”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed appreciation to Tinubu for hosting the interfaith gathering and commended his leadership at what he described as a critical moment for the nation.
Akpabio said the administration’s reforms had boosted revenue allocations to states, enabling governors to undertake key infrastructure projects. He also offered prayers for the President and for peace and prosperity across the country.
