The Federal Government has launched a seven-week roadmap for the development of the proposed National Policing Bill, inviting Nigerians and key stakeholders to submit memoranda and policy proposals to shape the legal and operational framework for the establishment of state police across the country.
The initiative was announced on Monday by the Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, following the committee’s meeting at the State House, Abuja.
Gbajabiamila said the Working Group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other relevant legislation to produce a modern policing framework capable of supporting an effective dual-policing system.
According to him, the proposed legislation will establish national minimum standards for state police services, define state readiness and certification requirements, clarify operational jurisdictions, strengthen independent oversight mechanisms, safeguard human rights and provide sustainable funding arrangements.
He explained that the bill would also outline a structured transition from the existing policing model to a dual-policing system involving both federal and state police services.
The Working Group has opened a two-week window for the submission of memoranda, encouraging citizens, professional bodies, civil society organisations, security agencies, academics, and state and local governments to contribute to the legislative process.
Gbajabiamila disclosed that all submissions would be reviewed and incorporated into the draft bill before nationwide consultations are held ahead of its final submission to the National Assembly.
The committee has adopted a seven-week work schedule running from July 27 to September 14, 2026, with the draft Executive Bill expected to be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 3 before broader stakeholder consultations and final approval.
He said the proposed National Policing Bill would comprehensively address recruitment, training, operational standards, oversight, funding mechanisms and transition arrangements to ensure an accountable, professional and efficient policing system nationwide.
“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,” Gbajabiamila stated.
Representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the establishment of state police as one of the most significant governance reforms under President Tinubu’s administration, saying it would fundamentally strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Addressing concerns over possible federal interference, Abiodun maintained that the proposed legislation was not designed to place state police under federal control but to provide a uniform legal and operational framework that guarantees professionalism, accountability and effectiveness.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening the protection of lives and property while ensuring that state police structures are not exploited for political intimidation or persecution.
He added that states unable to immediately establish and sustain their own police services would continue to rely on the Nigeria Police Force until they satisfy the prescribed operational and institutional requirements.
Other participants at the meeting included the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe; Chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee, Justice Abdullahi Liman (rtd); Head of the Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat, Professor Olu Ogunsakin; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research, Nnadubem Moghalu; and Brigadier General Olutayo Muyiwa Adesuyi, representing the National Security Adviser.
The proposed National Policing Bill is expected to provide the legal foundation for the implementation of state policing in Nigeria while balancing decentralised security management with national standards, accountability and constitutional safeguards.
