State Police Will Benefit Young Nigerians Most, Says City Boy Movement
The City Boy Movement (CBM) has welcomed the approval of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, by 24 State Houses of Assembly, describing the development as a historic step towards strengthening national security, protecting livelihoods and creating safer communities for young Nigerians.
The approval meets the two-thirds threshold required under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), paving the way for the proposed amendment to return to the National Assembly for transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Movement’s National Director of Public Affairs, Daniel Ogoloma, commended the approving State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly and President Tinubu for advancing a reform that has remained a subject of national debate for decades.
“For years, Nigerians have called for a policing system that understands local communities and responds more effectively to their security challenges. President Tinubu made a commitment to this reform, and today, we are witnessing significant progress towards its realisation. We commend the 24 State Houses of Assembly that have demonstrated the political will to support this important constitutional amendment,” Ogoloma said.
He described young Nigerians as potential major beneficiaries of the reform, noting that insecurity continues to undermine economic opportunities, disrupt education, threaten businesses and discourage investment across the country.
“Young Nigerians do not need another promise of opportunity. They need roads they can travel safely, businesses they can operate without fear and communities where they can pursue their ambitions in peace. Whether it is a trader in Onitsha, a technology entrepreneur in Yaba or a farmer in Benue, security is fundamental to their survival and prosperity. A properly structured and accountable state policing system can bring law enforcement closer to the people and improve responses to local security threats,” he stated.
While welcoming the constitutional milestone, the Movement urged the remaining State Houses of Assembly to support the amendment, stressing that broad national acceptance would strengthen public confidence in the proposed policing framework.
“The constitutional threshold has been met, but the momentum must not stop here. Every state has young people whose future depends on safer communities. We encourage the remaining assemblies to lend their support to this important reform,” Ogoloma added.
The Movement further noted that constitutional approval represents an important stage rather than the conclusion of the reform process. It welcomed the ongoing work of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, whose draft legislation and consequential amendments are undergoing review at the Federal Ministry of Justice ahead of further consideration.
CBM emphasised that the success of state policing would depend not only on establishing new security institutions but also on ensuring professionalism, adequate training, accountability and respect for fundamental human rights.
“State policing must never become an instrument of political intimidation or abuse of power. It must serve the people, protect their rights and strengthen public trust. The necessary safeguards must be clearly established and faithfully enforced to ensure that the reform delivers the security Nigerians deserve,” Ogoloma said.
The City Boy Movement reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and pledged to leverage its structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to promote public awareness, responsible civic engagement and support for the reform as it progresses towards implementation.
