President Bola Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to begin amending the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State Police as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the country is facing serious threats from terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, making constitutional reform necessary to strengthen security at the state level.
He urged lawmakers to consider incorporating State Police into the Constitution to help secure forests, tackle criminal activities, and improve community safety. The President also pledged continued collaboration with the National Assembly in addressing national issues.
The renewed call follows a similar assurance he gave to state governors days earlier, where he said the creation of State Police would not be postponed.
Currently, policing in Nigeria is under federal control through the Nigeria Police Force. Advocates argue that State Police would allow quicker responses to local threats and improve community-based policing, while critics warn of possible political misuse and financial strain on states.
Tinubu also dismissed claims that his administration is weakening opposition parties through defections to the ruling party, saying political realignments are not forced.
He credited the National Assembly for supporting key economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, describing the previous subsidy regime as corrupt. According to him, the reforms have laid the foundation for economic stability.
The President called for unity among political leaders, stressing that national security and development require collective effort and shared responsibility.
