The State Police will especially benefit young Nigerians, says City Boy Movement

The City Boy Movement (CBM) has said Nigerian youths will benefit greatly from the proposed establishment of the state police, citing the potential to improve safety, protect businesses and create safer communities across the country.

The movement, in a statement by its National Director of Public Affairs, Daniel Ogoloma, followed the passage of the Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2026, by 24 state Houses of Assembly.

The approval meets the two-thirds threshold required by Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, paving the way for the proposed amendment to return to the National Assembly to be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

Ogoloma commended the passing state assemblies, the National Assembly and Tinubu for pushing ahead with the proposed reform, which has remained a subject of national debate for decades.

He said insecurity continued to undermine economic opportunities, disrupt education, threaten businesses and discourage investment, particularly among young Nigerians seeking to create livelihoods.

“Young Nigerians don’t need another promise of opportunity. They need streets they can navigate safely, businesses they can run without fear and communities where they can pursue their ambitions in peace,” he said.

Citing traders, tech entrepreneurs and farmers as examples, Ogoloma argued that a properly structured and accountable state policing system could bring law enforcement closer to communities and improve responses to local security threats.

He urged the remaining state Houses of Assembly to support the amendment, saying broader participation would strengthen public confidence in the proposed policing framework.

“The constitutional threshold has been reached, but the momentum must not stop there. Every state has young people whose future depends on safer communities. We encourage the remaining assemblies to lend their support to this important reform,” he added.

The movement, however, noted that constitutional approval is only one stage in the reform process.

He welcomed the ongoing work of the Presidential Working Group on the National Police Bill, the draft law and subsequent amendments to which are under review at the Federal Ministry of Justice prior to further consideration.

The CBM stressed that the effectiveness of the state police will depend on professionalism, adequate training, responsibility and respect for fundamental human rights.

Ogoloma warned that the state police must not be used as an instrument of political intimidation or abuse of power, insisting that adequate safeguards would be needed to protect citizens and build public trust.

The movement reaffirmed its support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, adding that it will use its structures in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to promote public awareness and responsible civic engagement as reform progresses.