Senate Passes State Police Bill, Advances Police Trust Fund Reform
The Senate has passed the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of State Police and other related matters, marking a major step towards reforming Nigeria’s security architecture.
The landmark legislation was passed during an emergency plenary session following the consideration and unanimous adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, who presented the report, said the bill was transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an Executive Bill aimed at creating a dual policing structure in the country.
Senator Barau noted that extensive consultations were carried out with relevant stakeholders to ensure inclusivity in the proposed constitutional amendment, stressing that the establishment of state police would help decentralise policing and strengthen efforts to address security challenges across the federation.
He explained that following its passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill would be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration and concurrence, as required by the Constitution.
According to him, the passage of the bill demonstrates the National Assembly’s determination to reset and strengthen Nigeria’s security framework to effectively tackle emerging threats and improve public safety nationwide.
In a related development, the Senate also passed the Police Trust Fund Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, for third reading, paving the way for reforms aimed at enhancing funding and operational efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force.
Earlier during the plenary, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio administered the oath of office and allegiance to four newly elected senators.
The lawmakers are Halilu Danladi Envulu-Anza, Ikeje Asogwa, Dayo Faduyile and Olaka Nwogu.
The four senators emerged victorious in the by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Saturday to fill vacant seats in their respective senatorial districts.
Senate Passes State Police Bill, Advances Police Trust Fund Reform