Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to lawmakers to ensure full attendance at Wednesday’s plenary session as the National Assembly prepares to vote on a major constitutional amendment proposing the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
The appeal came during an emergency Senate session on Tuesday, amid heightened expectations over what could become one of the most significant security reforms in the country’s democratic history.
The proposed amendment seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for state-controlled policing, a move widely supported by security experts, governors, and community leaders as a response to rising insecurity across the country.
Akpabio described the bill as a landmark legislative proposal capable of reshaping Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthening grassroots policing structures.
He stressed that constitutional amendments require full participation from lawmakers, urging senators to treat the process as a national responsibility rather than routine legislative work.
“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing, and this is the first time,” he said.
“As we struggle to become senators, let us also remember the responsibilities of being a senator. It is not enough for us to look for tickets. And when we get them, we don’t come to the chambers.”
The Senate President explained that the reform would allow local communities, traditional rulers, and grassroots stakeholders to play a more active role in security management, particularly in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
He also directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report immediately to enable swift consideration of the bill.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also emphasized the importance of attendance, noting that at least two-thirds of senators must be present for any constitutional amendment vote to scale through.
“We need a minimum of two-thirds of distinguished senators to be able to vote on constitutional alteration. That means it is important for all of us to be here,” he said.
Bamidele added that the state police proposal is a national issue that cuts across political and regional divides, urging lawmakers to ensure full participation in the decisive session.
The Senate has adjourned plenary until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when debate and voting on the bill are expected to take place.
If passed, the amendment would represent one of the most significant restructurings of Nigeria’s policing system since independence, though it must still secure approval from the House of Representatives and at least 24 State Houses of Assembly before becoming law.
