President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of state police across the country.
The President appealed 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.
President Tinubu said the time has come to create a legal framework for state police, describing it as a necessary response to Nigeria’s shifting security landscape and a step toward strengthening grassroots policing.
He argued that decentralising law enforcement would enhance the current federal security structure and encourage intelligence-driven, community-based policing.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to this cause,” the President said.
“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.”
President Tinubu also lauded the harmonious working relationship between the executive and the Senate, stressing that unity among political leaders is crucial to overcoming 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 added.
The President further expressed appreciation to the Senate for backing major economic reforms introduced by his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and tax policy adjustments.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” he said.
“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.
“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 President Godswill Akpabio commended the President for hosting the interfaith gathering and praised his leadership. He noted that the administration’s reforms have boosted revenues available to states, enabling greater investment in infrastructure.
He also offered prayers for the success of the administration and for enduring peace and prosperity in the country.
President Tinubu has consistently identified the creation of state police as a core objective of his administration. At a recent meeting with state governors on February 23, he reiterated his resolve to address the country’s insecurity challenges through the establishment of state-controlled policing structures.
