The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 25th February,2026 called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police, describing the move as urgent in the face of Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
He made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he stressed that decentralising policing would strengthen grassroots security and improve states’ ability to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
According to Tinubu, as contained in a Press Release by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, creation of State Police would complement existing federal security structures and promote intelligence-driven, community-focused law enforcement.
“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.
He noted that a decentralised policing structure would enhance security coordination across the country and better address localised criminal activities.
Tinubu also commended the cordial working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, saying unity between both arms of government is essential 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 further thanked the Senate for supporting key economic reforms undertaken by his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reform initiatives.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. 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.
He maintained that the reforms have helped stabilise the economy and laid the groundwork for future prosperity.
“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,” the President stated.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu for hosting the leadership of the Senate for the interfaith breaking of fast.
Akpabio commended the President’s “visionary leadership,” noting that the administration’s reforms have increased revenue allocations to sub-national governments, enabling governors to undertake critical infrastructure development.
He offered prayers for the success of the administration and for peace and prosperity across the nation.
