President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the proposed National Policing Bill for review on September 3, 2026, as the Federal Government moves forward with plans to introduce state policing in Nigeria.
Presidency has also launched a public website where Nigerians can submit suggestions and opinions before the bill is sent to the National Assembly.
Speaking after a meeting of the Presidential Working Group at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the drafting process would run for seven weeks, from July 27 to September 14.
“The resulting Executive Bill package is scheduled for presentation to the President on the 3rd of September,” he said.
Gbajabiamila explained that public consultations would take place before the President gives final approval, after which the bill would be prepared for transmission to lawmakers.
He described the proposed law as a major step in reforming Nigeria’s policing system.
“This is a monumental reform that Nigerians have debated for many years,” he said.
According to him, the goal is to build “a lawful, professional and sustainable federal and state policing system” that brings security closer to communities while protecting national security and citizens’ rights.
He clarified that although both chambers of the National Assembly have approved constitutional amendments on state police, the process is not yet complete.
The amendments still require approval from the required number of State Houses of Assembly before they can become law. Until then, the Nigeria Police Force remains the country’s only constitutionally recognised police agency.
Gbajabiamila stressed that state police must not be used by governors or other political leaders to target opponents.
“No political officeholder should be able to direct the arrest of an opponent, the suppression of lawful political activity or the selective enforcement of the law,” he said.
He added that federal intervention in state policing should only happen in exceptional situations and must be evidence-based, limited and subject to review.
The Presidency also unveiled nationalpolicingbill.com, a portal where Nigerians can submit memoranda and recommendations for about two weeks, with a possible extension.
On the cost of implementing state police, Gbajabiamila said it was too early to give an estimate.
Gbajabiamila said, “There is no cost that will be too much to secure lives and property,” adding that the final cost would be based on detailed research and the needs of each state.
He also explained that national policing standards are intended to guarantee minimum requirements across the country, while states with greater capacity would be free to do more.
