President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to commence constitutional amendments aimed at establishing a legal framework for state police, as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity nationwide.
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 formation of state police had become necessary in light of Nigeria’s shifting security challenges, noting 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 explained that decentralised policing would work alongside the existing federal security structure, strengthening intelligence-led and community-based law enforcement.
The President also praised the cooperative relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing unity as essential in the fight against 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 expressed appreciation to the Senate for backing major reforms under his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, describing them as difficult but vital measures.
“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 addressed what he termed “monumental corruption.”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the interfaith gathering and commended his leadership during what he described as a pivotal time for the country.
Akpabio noted that the administration’s reforms had boosted revenue allocations to states, enabling governors to pursue major infrastructure projects. He also offered prayers for the President and for peace and prosperity across the nation.