The Federal Government has invited Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals on the proposed National Policing Bill as part of efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework for state policing across the country.
The invitation was announced by the Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, after the group’s meeting at the State House, Abuja.
According to the Presidency, the Working Group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other relevant laws to develop a modern and effective policing system.
Gbajabiamila said the proposed legislation would set national minimum standards for policing, define state readiness and certification requirements, clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, provide for independent oversight, protect human rights, ensure sustainable funding and establish an orderly transition to a dual-policing structure.
He disclosed that the call for memoranda would remain open for two weeks, encouraging citizens, civil society organisations, security agencies, professional bodies, academics, and state and local governments to submit their recommendations.
According to him, all submissions will be reviewed and considered before the draft bill proceeds to further national consultations and is transmitted to the National Assembly.
The Working Group also adopted a seven-week work plan running from July 27 to September 14, 2026, with the draft Executive Bill expected to be presented to President Bola Tinubu on September 3 before wider consultations and final approval.
The proposed legislation is expected to provide the legal framework for the recruitment, training, oversight, funding and operational structure of state police services while ensuring accountability nationwide.
Gbajabiamila stressed that any state seeking to establish its own police service must first meet strict operational requirements.
”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 at the meeting, the Governor of Ogun State and representative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described the establishment of state police as one of the defining reforms of the Tinubu administration.
He dismissed concerns that the Federal Government intended to control state police formations, explaining that the proposed law was designed to provide an operational framework rather than centralise control.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the bill is intended to strengthen the security of lives and property while preventing the misuse of state police for political persecution.
He added that states not yet prepared to establish their own police services would continue to rely on the Nigeria Police Force until they satisfy the required 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 (retd.); 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.
