Abuja, February 25, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police, describing the move as urgent in addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the creation of state police would strengthen grassroots policing and enhance the capacity of state governments to respond swiftly to security threats within their jurisdictions. He argued that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-driven, community-based law enforcement.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. 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,” the President said.
Tinubu also commended the cordial working relationship between the executive and the Senate, stressing that national unity remains critical 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 stated.
The President further thanked the Senate for its support for key economic reforms undertaken by his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the implementation of tax reforms. He said the reforms were aimed at ending corruption in the subsidy regime and eliminating foreign exchange arbitrage.
“What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange,” he added, expressing optimism about economic stability and future prosperity.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President for hosting the Senate leadership at the interfaith event and praised what he described as the administration’s visionary leadership at a critical time in the nation’s history.
Akpabio noted that the administration’s reforms had increased revenue allocations to states, enabling governors to undertake critical infrastructure development. He also offered prayers for the success of the administration and for peace and prosperity in the country.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
