The Federal Government has opened a two-week window for Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals on the establishment of state police, as part of a seven-week roadmap to transition the country from a unitary policing system to a dual structure.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said on Monday that the Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill is seeking contributions from citizens, civil society, security agencies, state and local governments, academics, and professionals.
Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Working Group, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced the call after the group’s meeting at the State House, Abuja. He said submissions will be reviewed and integrated into a draft bill that will undergo further national consultation before being sent to the National Assembly.
The Working Group’s programme runs from July 27 to September 14, 2026. A draft Executive Bill is scheduled for presentation to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2026.
President Tinubu has made state police a cardinal programme to tackle insecurity nationwide. The proposed framework, according to officials, will set national minimum standards, define state readiness and certification, clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, ensure independent oversight, uphold human rights, and guarantee sustainable funding.
It will also outline an orderly shift to a dual-policing arrangement.
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“A proposed State Police Service must demonstrate 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 said.
The group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other relevant laws.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, described the reform as landmark and dismissed fears of federal overreach, saying the bill provides an operational framework, not centralised control.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi added that the bill is designed to protect lives and property and prevent political abuse. States not ready to establish their own services will continue to rely on federal police until they meet the required standards.
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Other participants included IGP Tunji Disu, NBA President Afam Osigwe, and representatives of the NSA and Police Reform Secretariat.
