Senate Promises State Police Law Will Be Passed Before 2026 Ends

The Senate has assured Nigerians that the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to allow the creation of state police will be completed before the end of 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stated in an interview with Sunday Punch on Friday that the upper chamber would resume work on the constitutional review once plenary reconvenes next week.

This move follows a request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the National Assembly to begin amending the constitution to introduce state police, aiming to strengthen efforts against insecurity.

During an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu urged lawmakers to prioritise the amendment, saying:
“What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate state police, so we can secure our country, reclaim our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”

Addressing members of the House of Representatives, the President added that the state police framework must include safeguards to prevent abuse, stressing that it should not be “a straight free fall for everybody” and should incorporate lessons from past experiences.

Adaramodu pledged that the Senate would fast-track the amendment, noting that substantial groundwork had already been done before attention shifted to the Electoral Act review.

He said, “We will commence the process of reviewing the constitution for the establishment of state police immediately when plenary resumes next week. Nigerians can be assured that before the general election, the constitution will be amended to allow the creation of state police. We are committed to treating this matter expeditiously and ensuring the amendment is completed before the end of this year, ready for presidential assent.”

The spokesperson added that extensive consultations had been conducted nationwide, including stakeholder engagements across geopolitical zones and meetings with relevant sectors. Reports and findings from these consultations have already been compiled by the constitutional review committee.

“Previously, we had made significant progress, but plenary was briefly suspended to focus on the Electoral Act amendment, which has now been signed into law, and to consider the 2026 Appropriation Bill. With those matters addressed, we are now resuming the constitution review,” Adaramodu explained.

He also highlighted the widespread support for the proposal, stating: “State police is a popular demand. The President, state governors, and the National Assembly all support it.”