President Bola Tinubu has called on the Senate to begin the process of amending the Constitution to allow for the creation of state police, describing it as a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The President made the appeal on Wednesday evening during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu said Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry and insurgency, stressing that new approaches are needed to strengthen security across the country. He urged lawmakers to consider constitutional reforms that would enable states to establish their own police forces.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. What I will ask for tonight is for you 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 told the senators.

The President also highlighted his administration’s economic reforms, crediting the National Assembly for its support. He said the removal of fuel subsidy ended what he described as “monumental corruption” within the system.

Tinubu further defended reforms in the foreign exchange market, saying the government had moved away from practices that encouraged arbitrage and inefficiency.

According to him, the country is beginning to experience economic stability and renewed prospects for growth. He urged lawmakers to sustain their collaboration with the executive to consolidate ongoing reforms.

The proposal for state police has been a longstanding subject of national debate, with proponents arguing it would improve local security, while critics have raised concerns about oversight and potential abuse.