FG Unveils Seven-Week Roadmap for State Police Bill, Invites Nigerians to Shape Reform.

FG Unveils Seven-Week Roadmap for State Police Bill, Invites Nigerians to Shape Reform.

The Federal Government has unveiled a seven-week roadmap for the proposed National Policing Bill, inviting Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy recommendations that will help shape the legal framework for the establishment of state police across the country.

The announcement was made by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who disclosed that the Presidential Working Group is reviewing existing policing laws with the aim of developing a modern, accountable, and effective policing system. He explained that the government has opened a two-week window for citizens, stakeholders, civil society organisations, and professional bodies to submit policy proposals before the draft bill is finalised.

According to the roadmap, the draft Executive Bill will be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 3, 2026. Following the President’s review, the proposal will undergo wider national consultations before it is transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.

The proposed National Policing Bill is expected to establish the legal framework for a dual federal and state policing system. It will set clear standards for the recruitment, training, funding, oversight, human rights protection, firearms regulation, and operational responsibilities of state police formations.

The bill will also introduce strict financial and operational requirements that states must satisfy before establishing their own police services, ensuring that only states with the necessary capacity can operate independent policing structures.

Speaking on the proposed legislation, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the bill contains safeguards to prevent state police from being used for political persecution or abuse of power.

Similarly, Dapo Abiodun described the initiative as one of the most significant security reforms under the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence that the proposed legislation would strengthen security architecture, improve community policing, and enhance public safety across Nigeria.

The Federal Government urged Nigerians to actively participate in the consultation process by submitting constructive memoranda and policy recommendations, stressing that broad public involvement is essential to building a transparent, accountable, and effective policing system for the country.