President Bola Tinubu will receive the Executive National Policing Bill for review on September 3 as efforts to establish state police continue. The Presidency also unveiled a public information portal that will allow Nigerians to submit memoranda and position papers before the bill goes to the President and the National Assembly.
Presidency unveils work plan
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced the development after a meeting of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He said the group approved a seven-week work programme running from July 27 to September 14, 2026.
According to Gbajabiamila, the Executive Bill package will reach President Tinubu on September 3 for review after the planned national consultation.
“The resulting Executive Bill package is scheduled for presentation to the President on the 3rd of September.”
Public invited to contribute
Gbajabiamila said the Presidency has launched a website where Nigerians can follow the legislative process and submit their contributions. He explained that the portal became active on Monday and would remain open for about two weeks, although authorities may extend the timeline. According to him, every Nigerian can participate regardless of status or background.
Bill to include key documents
Gbajabiamila said the final package would contain supporting documents needed to implement the proposed policing system. These include schedules, an explanatory memorandum, a legal audit, a clause-by-clause analysis, a fiscal note, a validation report, a risk register and a digital archive.
He described the reform as a major step toward creating a professional policing system that strengthens security while protecting the rights of Nigerians.
Constitutional process still ongoing
Gbajabiamila explained that the constitutional amendment creating state police has not yet taken effect despite its approval by both chambers of the National Assembly. He said the proposal still requires approval from state Houses of Assembly before it can become law. Until then, he noted that the Nigeria Police Force remains the country’s only constitutionally recognised police institution.
State police not for political control
The Chief of Staff stressed that the proposed state police system must never become a tool for political intimidation. He said no political officeholder should influence arrests, suppress lawful political activities or direct selective enforcement of the law. According to him, federal intervention should remain exceptional, evidence-based and subject to review.
FG yet to determine cost
Responding to questions on funding, Gbajabiamila said it was too early to estimate the cost of implementing state police nationwide.
He explained that government would determine the cost after detailed research and consultations with individual states.
He also said national standards would serve as minimum requirements, while states with greater capacity could exceed those benchmarks.
AGF, Abiodun speak
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also warned against using state police to persecute political opponents. He stressed the need for safeguards to protect citizens and preserve social stability. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the proposed legislation would address several legal issues, including jurisdiction, firearms regulation and amendments to existing laws needed to make state policing operational.
Read also: Sharia Council warns against rushed constitutional amendment on state police
