February 26, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to commence constitutional amendments that would provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police, describing the proposal as a necessary step toward tackling insecurity across Nigeria.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast meeting with senators held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he stressed the urgency of adopting new security strategies to address evolving threats nationwide.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s current security realities require innovative and decentralised solutions capable of strengthening grassroots policing and improving rapid response to criminal activities within states and local communities.
According to him, State Police would empower sub-national governments to respond more effectively to emerging threats while supporting federal security agencies in maintaining law and order across the country.
The President explained that decentralised policing would complement—not replace—the existing federal security architecture, adding that intelligence-led and community-focused law enforcement remains key to sustainable national security.
He noted that localised policing structures would improve intelligence gathering, build trust between citizens and security agencies, and enhance coordinated responses against criminal networks operating in rural and urban areas.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause”, Tinubu said, urging lawmakers to begin deliberations on constitutional amendments that would formally recognise State Police.
He added that the initiative would help reclaim forests occupied by criminal elements, secure vulnerable communities and ensure that Nigerian children can live without fear of violence and abduction.
The President also praised the cordial working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, stating that unity among national leaders remains vital to defeating insecurity and strengthening democratic governance.
“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 added.
Tinubu further thanked the Senate for supporting key economic reforms introduced by his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing tax reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and boosting public revenue.
He maintained that the reforms were made possible through legislative collaboration, adding that they had helped curb systemic corruption associated with subsidy payments and foreign exchange arbitrage.
“You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud”, the President said, expressing optimism that economic stability would translate into long-term prosperity for citizens.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Tinubu for hosting the Senate leadership at the interfaith breaking of fast, praising the administration’s reforms for increasing revenues available to state governments for infrastructure development, while offering prayers for national peace, unity and sustained progress.
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