The Senate has pledged to finalize the constitutional amendment needed to create state police across Nigeria before the end of 2026.

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said that work on the 1999 Constitution review would resume immediately once plenary reconvenes next week. This follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the National Assembly to begin the process of incorporating state police into the law as part of efforts to address nationwide insecurity.

Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President urged lawmakers to consider how best to structure state police to enhance security, protect forests from illegal activities, and safeguard citizens. He emphasized the need for constitutional checks to prevent misuse by governors.

Adaramodu assured Nigerians that the Senate is committed to fast-tracking the amendment, noting that preparatory work had already been done before legislative attention shifted to the recently passed electoral bill. “We want to assure Nigerians that before the general election, the constitution will be amended to allow for state police,” he said. “The process will be completed and forwarded to Mr. President for assent before the end of this year.”

Consultations on the proposal have been conducted nationwide, including meetings with stakeholders across all geopolitical zones and relevant sectors. According to Adaramodu, reports from these consultations have been compiled and will inform the constitutional review.

He described state police as a widely supported initiative, with backing from the President, state governors, and the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, civil society groups, including Afenifere and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), have urged lawmakers to embed strong safeguards to prevent governors from exploiting state police for political purposes. MACBAN President Baba Ngelzarma highlighted the importance of a balanced recruitment process that reflects ethnic and religious diversity to avoid domination by any particular group.

Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, stressed that many crimes occur locally and that decentralized policing could improve responses. However, he added that legal frameworks must protect citizens against potential misuse by governors.

APC chieftain Ayodele Arise also called for public awareness campaigns on the benefits and limitations of state police, proposing that the amendment start with Section 214 of the Constitution, moving policing to the Concurrent List to balance federal and state responsibilities.

With strong public support and oversight measures in place, the Senate is confident the amendment can be completed within the year, laying the foundation for state police to enhance local security while ensuring accountability.