The Federal Government has launched a seven week implementation plan for the proposed National Policing Bill, calling on Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy recommendations that will help shape the legal framework for the creation of state police.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, following a meeting at the State House in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila said the Working Group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, existing police regulations and other related laws with the aim of developing a modern policing system.
He explained that the proposed legislation will set national minimum standards for state police, outline state readiness and certification requirements, define operational responsibilities, provide independent oversight, protect human rights and establish a sustainable funding model.
The Federal Government has opened a two week period for members of the public, civil society organisations, security agencies, academics, professional bodies, as well as state and local governments, to submit memoranda and policy proposals. The submissions will be considered and incorporated into the draft bill before nationwide consultations begin.
The Working Group approved a seven week timetable running from July 27 to September 14, 2026. Under the schedule, the draft Executive Bill is expected to be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 3, 2026, before it is transmitted to the National Assembly.
Gbajabiamila emphasised that states would have to satisfy strict conditions before establishing their own police services.
“A proposed State Police Service must demonstrate that it has credible arrangements for recruitment, vetting, training, pay, pensions, equipment, custody, complaints, discipline, data, firearms control, independent oversight and financial sustainability before it begins policing.”
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the proposed state police system as one of the Tinubu administration’s landmark reforms. He dismissed claims that the Federal Government intends to control state police, insisting that the bill is intended to provide an operational framework rather than centralise authority.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, said the proposed legislation would protect lives and property while preventing state police from being used for political persecution.
He added that states that are not yet prepared to establish their own police services would continue to depend on the Nigeria Police Force until they meet the required standards.
The meeting was attended by several key stakeholders, including the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, as well as other senior government and security officials.
