The Nigerian Presidency has launched a high-level working group tasked with creating a legal structure to support a new federal and state policing model. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, confirmed that an Executive Bill detailing this framework is scheduled for submission to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2026.
Addressing the public, Gbajabiamila requested submissions, memoranda, and proposals from stakeholders, including civil society, professional bodies, and private citizens. Interested parties have until August 13, 2026, to contribute via a designated online portal, www.nationalpolicingbill.com. This feedback will help shape the final draft, ensuring it includes necessary safeguards regarding funding, jurisdictional rules, and operational standards.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that the proposed system seeks to bring policing closer to citizens while maintaining national security integrity. He clarified that the transition requires careful planning, as the current constitutional amendment passed by the National Assembly provides only a foundational concept rather than specific operating rules. Consequently, the working group will address critical elements such as training, recruitment, pensions, and oversight mechanisms.
A seven-week program has been established to refine the policy, which will include a thorough review by a Policy Advisory Committee chaired by Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Liman. While state governments are expected to have a role, Gbajabiamila cautioned against partisan misuse, asserting that state police must operate under strict, evidence-based standards to ensure protection remains uniform across the country. The final legislative package will be comprehensive, featuring detailed audits, fiscal notes, and implementation strategies before being forwarded to the National Assembly.
