Nigeria’s worsening security crisis has returned to the front burner. On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu asked the 10th Senate to begin constitutional amendments that would create a legal framework for state police.
He made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The message was direct. Nigeria must rethink its security structure.
According to the President, decentralised policing has become urgent as terrorism, banditry and insurgency continue to stretch federal security forces.
Why Tinubu Wants State Police Now
Tinubu argued that Nigeria’s security threats have evolved. Therefore, the country must respond with structural reforms.
He said state police would strengthen grassroots security and help local authorities respond faster to threats. In addition, he stressed that decentralised policing would complement, not replace, federal security agencies.
Nigeria currently operates a centralised police system under federal control. However, critics say this structure limits swift local response, especially in rural communities where bandits and armed groups exploit weak presence.
The President framed the proposal as part of a broader strategy to reclaim forests from criminal groups and restore public confidence.
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Executive–Legislative Harmony
Tinubu also praised the working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly. He described unity between both arms of government as vital to defeating insecurity.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his response, commended Tinubu’s leadership and described the period as critical for Nigeria’s stability.
The tone of the meeting suggested alignment rather than confrontation. That cooperation could shape the pace of constitutional reform.
Reform Agenda and Revenue Gains
Beyond security, Tinubu thanked the Senate for backing key economic reforms, notably fuel subsidy removal and tax changes.
He described the subsidy removal as a bold decision that curtailed large-scale corruption. Meanwhile, Akpabio noted that reforms had increased revenue allocations to states, giving governors more room to fund infrastructure projects.
However, public opinion remains divided. While some analysts argue that higher state revenues create room for security reform, others insist that governance capacity must improve before decentralising policing.
The Bigger Debate
The state police debate is not new. Past administrations raised it but stopped short of constitutional action.
Supporters say decentralised policing will enhance community intelligence and faster response. On the other hand, critics fear potential abuse by state governors and political interference.
Therefore, any constitutional amendment will require careful safeguards to prevent misuse.
