Policing reform has entered a new phase as the Federal Government unveiled a seven-week roadmap for the proposed National Policing Bill, inviting Nigerians to submit memoranda that will shape the legal framework for state policing.
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has launched a seven-week roadmap for the proposed National Policing Bill, inviting Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals that will help shape a comprehensive legal and operational framework for state policing.
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, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, following the group’s meeting at the State House in Abuja.
According to Gbajabiamila, the Working Group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other relevant laws to develop a modern, effective and accountable policing system for the country.
He explained that the proposed legislation will establish national minimum standards, define state readiness and certification requirements, clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, strengthen independent oversight, protect human rights, ensure sustainable funding and provide a structured transition to a dual-policing system.
The Working Group announced that the public call for memoranda will remain open for two weeks, allowing citizens, professional bodies, civil society organisations, security agencies, state and local governments, academics and other stakeholders to contribute to the proposed legislation.
Submissions received will be reviewed and incorporated into the draft bill before further nationwide consultations are held ahead of its final submission to the National Assembly.
The committee has adopted a seven-week work programme running from July 27 to September 14, 2026. Under the timeline, the draft Executive Bill will be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 3, 2026, before undergoing broader national consultations and final approval.
The proposed National Policing Bill will also establish clear requirements for recruitment, training, funding, oversight and transition arrangements to guarantee credible, professional and accountable policing across Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila stressed that any proposed State Police Service must first demonstrate credible systems for recruitment, personnel vetting, training, remuneration, pensions, equipment, detention facilities, complaints management, disciplinary procedures, data management, firearms control, independent oversight and financial sustainability before commencing operations.
Representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described state policing as a landmark reform and one of the defining policy initiatives of President Tinubu’s administration.
Addressing concerns over possible federal interference, Abiodun maintained that the proposed legislation is not intended to centralise control but rather to provide a uniform operational framework that would guide the establishment and operation of state police services nationwide.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the proposed legislation is designed to strengthen the protection of lives and property while ensuring that state police structures are not abused for political persecution.
He added that states not immediately prepared to establish their own police services would continue to rely on the Nigeria Police Force until they satisfy the prescribed operational standards.
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, Prof. 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.
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