Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the Senate’s passage of the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu described the Senate’s approval of the bill’s 26 clauses as a historic milestone in the country’s democratic and security development.
According to the governor, the passage of the legislation represents one of the most far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture, with the capacity to strengthen community-based policing, enhance public safety, and improve security response at the grassroots level.
Sanwo-Olu described the Senate’s decision as “epochal,” noting that it reflects President Tinubu’s long-standing advocacy for true federalism and progressive governance.
“Today is a great day for our country and a moment to celebrate the triumph of genuine democratic and developmental ideas over parochial sentiments,” the governor said.
He recalled that Tinubu had consistently championed the creation of state police since his tenure as governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, despite opposition from various quarters.
“State police has been top of mind for President Tinubu since 1999 when he governed Lagos. We are happy to witness its emergence in Nigeria today,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor expressed confidence that the proposed state police system would significantly strengthen efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality threatening national security and development.
He commended President Tinubu for his vision, resilience, and commitment to reforms aimed at deepening federalism and improving governance across the federation.
Sanwo-Olu also praised the Senate for what he described as a bold and historic decision, urging state Houses of Assembly to expedite the consideration and ratification of the constitutional amendment.
“The Senate has made history with this bold step. I urge the state assemblies to follow suit and ensure this important constitutional amendment becomes a reality,” he said.
The passage of the bill marks a major step toward the realization of state policing in Nigeria, a proposal that has generated intense national debate for decades amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country.
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