By Ayo Ayodele
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stressing that the creation of State Police had become urgent in light of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
According to him, decentralising the policing structure would strengthen grassroots security, enable states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions, and complement the existing federal security architecture.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. 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,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that a decentralised system would promote intelligence-led and community-focused law enforcement, improving coordination and effectiveness in combating crime nationwide.
He commended the cordial working relationship between the executive and the Senate, describing unity between both arms of government as critical to defeating 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 also expressed appreciation to the Senate for its support in implementing key economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the administration’s tax reform policies. He described the reforms as bold steps taken to eliminate corruption and stabilise the economy.
“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,” Tinubu said, adding that the country is now experiencing greater economic stability.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the interfaith breaking of fast and commended his leadership at a critical time for the nation.
Akpabio said the administration’s reforms had increased revenue allocations to sub-national governments, enabling governors to embark on critical infrastructure development. He also offered prayers for the success of the administration and for peace and prosperity in the country.
The State House press release was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated February 25, 2026.