President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to begin the process of amending Nigeria’s constitution to create a legal framework for state police, describing the move as urgent for tackling insecurity across the country.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s evolving security threats—including terrorism, banditry and insurgency—require a decentralised policing structure that would strengthen grassroots security and enable faster responses within states.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause,” the President said. “What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”
According to him, state police would complement the existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-driven, community-focused law enforcement.
The President also praised the cordial relationship between the executive arm and the Senate, stressing that unity among political leaders is critical to defeating insecurity.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony… 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 economic reforms of his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing tax reforms. He argued that the measures have helped curb corruption in the subsidy regime and stabilise the economy.
“We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system,” he said, adding that Nigeria is now experiencing greater economic stability.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President for hosting the lawmakers and for what he described as “visionary leadership” at a critical time for the country.
Akpabio said the administration’s reforms have increased revenue available to state governments for infrastructure development. He also offered prayers for the success of the administration and for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity.
