The Senate has pledged to conclude amendments to the 1999 Constitution to enable the establishment of state police before the end of 2026, signalling renewed legislative momentum on one of Nigeria’s most debated security reforms.

The commitment was disclosed by the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH on Friday. He said the upper chamber would immediately resume work on the constitutional review once plenary reconvenes next week.

The renewed push follows a formal request by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the constitution to accommodate state police as part of broader efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

Addressing senators during an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday night, Tinubu urged lawmakers to give serious consideration to the proposal. He emphasised the need for constitutional changes that would strengthen internal security, reclaim forests from criminal elements and restore public confidence.

The President reiterated the call on Friday while speaking to members of the House of Representatives, stressing that any framework for state police must include safeguards to prevent abuse of power by state governors. According to him, the initiative should not be implemented without robust checks and balances informed by past experiences.

Adaramodu assured Nigerians that the Senate was prepared to fast-track the process, noting that substantial groundwork had already been completed before legislative attention shifted to electoral reforms. He said the National Assembly would treat the amendment with urgency and ensure its completion before the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the next general election.

“We are going to commence the process of reviewing the constitution for the establishment of state police immediately we resume next week,” he said. “Before electioneering begins, the amendment would have been concluded and transmitted to Mr President for assent.”

The Senate spokesperson revealed that nationwide consultations had already been conducted, including stakeholder engagements across the geopolitical zones, and that reports from these meetings had been compiled by the constitution review committee.

Explaining earlier delays, Adaramodu said legislative focus had been diverted to the passage of the Electoral Act amendment and preparations for the 2026 Appropriation Bill. With those priorities addressed, he said the Senate was now fully prepared to return to the constitutional review process.

Describing state police as a broadly supported reform, Adaramodu noted that it enjoys backing from major stakeholders, including the Presidency, state governors and lawmakers.

“State police is a popular demand. The President is in support, the governors are in support, and the National Assembly is committed to delivering it,” he said.