The Nigerian Senate is set to begin consideration of constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police across the country, marking a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing security reform efforts.

The development was disclosed by Opeyemi Bamidele in a statement released on Monday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.

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According to Bamidele, the amendment bill is expected to be considered during the legislative week beginning Tuesday, which he described as a crucial period for the Senate and the National Assembly as a whole.

The proposed amendment seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution to formally provide for the establishment of state-controlled police structures alongside the existing federal policing system.

Bamidele stated that key stakeholders across the federation have largely aligned with the National Assembly on the need for state police, citing growing concerns over insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes across different parts of Nigeria.

He further revealed that Bola Tinubu and all 36 state governors are reportedly in support of the constitutional amendment.

According to the Senate Leader, the National Assembly leadership recently held several high-level consultations with major stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Bamidele expressed confidence that the bill is now fully prepared for legislative passage following the consultations.

Security Reform Requires State Assembly Approval

The Senate Leader explained that once the constitutional amendment bill is passed by the National Assembly, it will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification, as required under constitutional procedures for amendment.

He noted that approval by at least two-thirds of the state assemblies would be necessary before the bill could be forwarded to President Tinubu for presidential assent.

The proposed establishment of state police has remained one of the most debated national issues in recent years, with supporters arguing that decentralised policing would improve local security responses and intelligence gathering.

However, critics have also expressed concerns that state police structures could be abused by political authorities at the state level if adequate safeguards are not included in the law.

Despite differing views, the latest move by the Senate signals growing momentum toward restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture in response to persistent nationwide insecurity.

If eventually passed and ratified, the amendment would represent one of the most significant constitutional changes in Nigeria’s democratic history since the return to civilian rule in 1999.