President Bola Ahmed 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, describing the move as urgent in the face of Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Addressing the lawmakers, Tinubu said decentralising policing would strengthen grassroots security operations and enhance the ability of states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
“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.
He stressed that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-driven, community-focused law enforcement nationwide.
‘We Are Reformists Together’
Tinubu also praised the cordial working relationship between the executive and the Senate, noting 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 said.
The President further thanked the Senate for its steadfast support of his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the ongoing tax reform policy.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. 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,” Tinubu stated.
He added: “You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me.”
Senate Leadership Responds
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President for hosting the leadership of the Senate at the interfaith breaking of fast.
Akpabio lauded Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership at a critical time in the nation’s history, noting that the administration’s bold reforms have increased revenue allocations to sub-national governments for infrastructure development.
The Senate President offered prayers for the success of the administration, as well as for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on February 25, 2026.
