President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday called on 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 address insecurity across the country.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to President Tinubu, the creation of State Police has become imperative in view of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. He said decentralising the policing structure would strengthen grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering, and enable states to respond more swiftly and effectively to threats within their jurisdictions.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency,” the President said. “But we will never fail to make the right response. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”
He noted that State Police would complement existing federal security structures and promote community-focused law enforcement nationwide.
President Tinubu also commended the cordial working relationship between the executive and the Senate, stressing that national unity and institutional cooperation are 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 said.
The President expressed appreciation to the Senate for supporting key reforms undertaken by his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing tax reforms. He described the reforms as bold steps aimed at eliminating systemic corruption and stabilising 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 foreign exchange arbitrage,” he stated, adding that the country is witnessing improved economic stability and renewed prospects for prosperity.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, thanked the President for hosting the leadership of the Senate and commended him for what he described as visionary leadership at a critical time in the nation’s history.
Senator Akpabio said the administration’s reforms have increased revenue allocations to sub-national governments, enabling governors to invest more in critical infrastructure and development projects. He offered prayers for the President and for peace and prosperity across the nation.
The interfaith gathering concluded with prayers for Nigeria’s unity and progress.
