The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has invited the Nigerian public, civil society organizations, security experts, and state governments to submit policy proposals and memoranda toward creating a comprehensive legal framework for the establishment of state police forces.

?The Chairman of the Working Group and Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed the directive on Monday following a strategic meeting at the State House, Abuja.

The committee is conducting a comprehensive review of the Police Act 2020, Police Service Commission framework, police regulations, and existing statutory laws to lay the groundwork for a modern, dual-policing system.

?Under the adopted seven-week execution timetable spanning July 27 to September 14, 2026, the call for public memoranda will remain open for two weeks.

The working group aims to present the finalized draft Executive Bill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 3, 2026, ahead of broader national consultations and submission to the National Assembly.

?The proposed legislation will establish strict national minimum standards, state readiness parameters, jurisdictional clarity, independent oversight, and clear transition protocols.

According to Gbajabiamila, any state intending to establish its own police service must demonstrate verifiable arrangements for recruitment, vetting, training, equipment, firearms control, discipline, and long-term financial sustainability before receiving operational authorization.

?Addressing concerns regarding potential federal overreach, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, clarified that the legislation aims to provide a standardized operational blueprint rather than centralized federal control.

Similarly, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that the bill incorporates safeguards to prevent state policing from becoming an instrument for political persecution, adding that states unprepared for immediate implementation will continue to rely on the Federal Police.

?The high-level meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu, Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe, Chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee Justice Abdullahi Liman (rtd), and representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.