In a significant policy shift aimed at tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared his support for the creation of state police, calling it a “necessity” in the face of worsening insecurity across the country.

The President made this declaration on Monday, June 16, in Abuja during a one-day legislative dialogue on constitutional review and national security architecture, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s centralized policing system is no longer adequate to address the complex and localized threats faced by communities nationwide, including recent violent attacks that have claimed innocent lives in several states.

“The time has come for us to overhaul our national security framework. The creation of state police is not just an option—it is a necessity,” President Tinubu stated. “We must act through constitutional reform to empower our states to secure their people effectively.”

The president’s endorsement marks a notable turning point in a long-standing national debate on state policing. While critics have raised concerns about potential misuse by state governors, advocates argue that decentralizing police powers would enhance responsiveness, intelligence gathering, and local accountability.

Tinubu’s remarks are expected to add significant momentum to ongoing legislative efforts to amend the constitution, especially with increasing calls from governors, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations urging more localized control over security.

The dialogue, attended by lawmakers, security experts, and stakeholders from across the country, also focused on broader reforms, including improved intelligence coordination, funding for security agencies, and legal protections for whistleblowers.

As insecurity continues to challenge development and peace in many parts of Nigeria, Tinubu’s bold call for constitutional change and state police signals a growing consensus that urgent and structural reforms are required to restore safety and public confidence.