The development emerged during Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers gave the executive-sponsored state police bill its first and second readings.
In a letter read on the floor of the House, Tinubu said the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal framework for the creation of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The president said the bill builds on previous legislative work by the House and introduces additional safeguards to ensure the effective operation of a dual policing system involving both the federal and state governments.
“I am delighted to present to the House of Representatives for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of State Police Services,” he stated.
According to Tinubu, the proposed framework is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges through a more responsive and efficient policing structure.
“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.
Describing the bill as a key component of his administration’s security reform agenda, the President urged lawmakers to expedite its consideration and passage.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this Bill,” Tinubu added.
The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.
This comes barely two weeks after the Senate passed a similar constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police across the federation.